CHARLIE OLSON
email: olsonc@uww.edu

Slip-cast porcelain, cone 10 oxidation, wood, metal.

ARTIST STATEMENT
The creation of any form of art is an involved process that includes not only the conception of an idea, but also the ability to manifest that idea through a particular medium. An artist chooses to work in any given medium due to an affinity for the chosen material or a technical mastery over it. However, an artist may also choose a specific material, as its qualities are distinct in succinctly conveying the visual message and intent of the artist. My decision to utilize porcelain as a medium relates to the aforementioned rationales. Just as a writer sees text on a page, an artist sees a hard, physical object as a final product. However, text and objects must have meaning if they are to affect the reader or viewer cerebrally. The meaning of my work is purposefully vague as I do not draw inspiration from any specific event or experience. I am interested in the physicality of the object, the manner in which it is presented, and the spatial relationships among all of the parts seen as a whole. In essence, it is structured ambiguity. To view my work, one must first remove all conscious predilections and expectations in order to make any relevant decisions, interpretations or conclusions. Even then, there are a myriad of answers.