As a graduate student I don’t always get to work alongside other artist because most of my work is done as an independent study but I recently was able to share the studio with another artist whose drive and passion for his work did not go unnoticed. I was so inspired by how creative he was with the materials as well as how unapologetic he is about his artistic style.

Meet Oliver

Oliver is a junior art therapy major who shares the same passion for sculpture that I do. I reached out to Oliver to share some things about him as well as what inspires him to be the artist that he is today!

Olivers Artist Statement

When I was in high school, I actually wanted to be a forensic pathologist funnily enough. I had never considered majoring in art until my senior year, when I discovered art therapy. It’s crazy how one little spark of inspiration can change someone’s  future entirely.

When I took my first 3D art class, I was excited but a little intimidated by the idea of making a sculpture. During that class I discovered that it was something that I really enjoyed. Now being in sculpture one I’ve been able to expand on what I’ve learned and create even bigger and weirder projects. Wood, clay, metal, and  glass are all materials that I now have the skills to build with, and it has opened up doors of creativity that I didn’t even realize were closed. I’m inspired everyday by the people around me creating their own masterpieces, and the support that I’ve received from my professors. 

I want to encourage people to just create what makes them happy, things that inspire them! I find that so many artists struggle to make their art palatable for an audience, sometimes at the expense of what they truly want to make. I encourage you to be weird, wild, bold, and above all, yourself! There is nothing more beautiful than creating something that is truly inspiring, even if you’re the only one it’s inspired.

Below are some of Olivers amazing pieces!

“Reflection,distended”

“My Face”

Message to Future Artists

When I was watching Oliver work and hearing what he said his journey as an artist it made me extremely excited to watch the future generation grow and develop as an artists as well. To any future artist or any artist struggling with their identity it is important to know that your art matters and is important no matter what any other people think and it is important to stand behind your work 100%.

If you want to know more about Oliver you can follow him on Instagram @bowling._.alley._.carpet

Stay Creative!

Emma Brooks