Alan Olson

Born in 1949 in Denver, Colorado, USA. My work is centered around a love of combining color and motion to create intriguing sculpture. I enjoy what happens when colorful, three-dimensional forms are set in motion causing the relationship of the various elements to change. I suspect that my favorite toys as a child such as watercolor sets, Lionel trains, the big box of Crayolas and Erector sets influenced me greatly.I start out with very simple sketches to achieve the proportions and movements that I am aiming for. I use design elements that range from Art Deco to Egyptian with basic structures that are either geometric or organic. My colors range from vibrant to muted and I use lighting sources that include incandescent and neon. These pieces are hand painted with acrylics, have metal leaf, beadwork and brass trim applied.Most pieces require the viewer to operate them by using simple push button controls. I like the idea of the observer having direct contact and control of each sculpture.

University of Colorado School of Fine Art, 1968-1972