Artist Bio

Curtis R. Olson
Landscape Memories
The Art of it

These pieces are about Memories. Memories held by a place, the earth and soil and the images we hold and alter over time. I am attempting to capture that visual world of our minds that lie somewhere between abstraction and realism. Growing up all over the Western United states in a semi-nomadic childhood I have always been attracted to the vastness and loneliness of the land. This body of work has evolved from my exploration to find an art form that is truly Western. Just like the architecture I design, it is rooted in our landscape but also in our present time. I’m exploring a combination of abstraction and realism. I base the piece from a pure form of realism, a photograph that I take. The abstraction comes from the patina of the metal and the colors and textures of the panels to evoke feelings or memories I had for that place.

These works are not necessarily intended to be decorative; they have a roughness and age. Each aspect of these pieces represents my exploration of the aesthetic concept known to the Japanese as “Wabi-Sabi”: the beauty evoked by natural processes, age, impermanence, rustic imperfection and earthy unpretentiousness. Parts and processes are left evident to show themselves honestly. I am drawn to the physical process of making each object – the woodwork, the metal work, the photography and especially creating the colors and textures: The applying of layers, removing and re-applying, the flex of the brush, the carving into the plaster, paint and wax on my hands. And the physical movement – the blending of sculpting, drawing and painting.

Photographs

Simple black and white landscape images that evoke the quiet memory of the area generate the direction of the piece. If there is a ‘postcard image’ to be had I turn the other way to find, what I consider, the essence and stillness of the land. Modest natural and man-made objects embody the essence. As an architect I have a particular interest in the first architecture of a place (the vernacular), both indigenous and pioneer. Architecturally, I learn important lessons from these buildings. Artistically I believe they hold memories and show clearly the impermance of our things. I take each photo during my western travels and print them with 100-year archival papers and inks.

Patina Metals

These Metals can be seen as symbol of the timelessness and power of the land. Representing both the impermanence of the manmade and the earth: metals are mined from the earth and, with time, return to the earth. The steel, copper, brass and tin pieces that I do not find on the site I patina and age.

Color Field

The landscapes from which each photos are taken inspire the direction for the colors and textures. Layers of plaster, paint, dyes, inks and waxes are applied, removed and re-applied. The site inspires the direction of the colors and textures, but the final product is up to the piece itself.

Objects from the Site

An occasional object I find from the landscape is incorporated into the piece.