PO: The Downtown Art Center is an exciting and vital space for artists and community events relating to the arts. When I answered an ad for studio space in a vacuous empty storefront on Fourth Street in San Rafael, it was hard to imagine the place it would become. It was the initial project of Artworks Downtown, Inc. to establish and maintain a charitable center for the arts in downtown San Rafael. It has been supported by grants from the Marin Community Foundation, Cowell Foudation, Marin Arts Council and private donations.
red poppy, 181KB
LAF: Sitting next you in class I also found out that you are a part-time Graphic Designer. I have enjoyed watching you design work for the Downtown Art Center and the Marin Arts Council Artist Dialogue. Since you started out as an art major with an emphasis in painting, what lead you to into computer generated graphic design?
PO: When I graduated from college in the 60’s I needed to be self supporting. My father, an artist, graphic designer and Art Director, gave me my first job in his graphic design studio. The studio had a strong apprentice program which allowed you to start at the bottom and learn design while working with top designers on staff. After learning the business I left that studio to work in various other positions as a designer and art director.
squash 97, 158KB
LAF: I have recently seen several of your watercolor pieces which measure 3 to 5 inch square. I have always been fascinated with artists who work "small," it’s such an exacting and time consuming expression of art. What inspires you to work on such small canvas?
PO: Most of my work is done in a fairly large format but occasionally I enjoy working in the small format you describe. It involves an entirely different set of challenges; choosing an appropriate subject, the right amount of detail, a search for intimacy and the jewel essence that makes a small work delightful.
basket of scarves, 196KB
LAF: I always ask this question, too. Who was the person(s) who influenced and encouraged you the most in your artistic career and what did he/she/they do to help you?
PO: When I was in college one of my professors, Erle Loran (author of a wonderful book entitled Cezanne's Compositions) took special interest in me and my work and led me to believe that I had the potential to be an artist.
evangeline, 256KB
LAF: You are very active in the art community in Marin County. What artistic events do you attend every year and do you ever sell your work at these events?
PO: I have participated in Marin Open Studios for several years. This is a wonderful way to have an exchange with people who want to know a little more about art. Art is always for sale at this event. I usually enter the Marin County fair competion and have sold work there. I recently donated a painting for a benefit auction for Ritter House, a resource for the homeless in San Rafael.
mol, sam, crane; 174KB
LAF: You have worked in the past on fabric. I saw a beautiful colorful picture of a scarf - your "wearable art." Do you still create these whimsical pieces and sell them at the Downtown Art Center?
PO: Painting on silk is a wonderful experience for someone who loves textiles as much as I do. I have been sewing all my life and at one time made all my clothes. Silk painting has allowed me to make a work of art that can be taken and wrapped around you. Thus "wearable art." I sell them at the Downtown Art Center by appointment and at Marin Open Studios and the Downtown Art Center Christmas Open Studio the first week in December.
hannah rabbit, 158KB
LAF: I always ask this question. I know that "my soul" is that of an choreorapher/artist. There is nothing else that I could have done and been satisfied. How do you feel about being an artist? How has it effected your life - both in the good and not so good ways?
PO: As a small child I thought I was an artist. It was always what I was. For some reason I was led to spend many years working in graphic arts -- which is a wonderful field -- and fortunately I could support myself and my small daughter. I retired to raise my second child and eventually was able to return to working outside the home. After recovering from a life threatening illness, I realized that I needed to renew my committment to painting, my first and true love. I've never regretted this decision and feel truly grateful.
Artwork/Graphic Images
by Pamela Wallace Ohlsen
© 1999. All Rights Reserved.
No images published herein may be duplicated, printed, or published on the internet or
elsewhere, without the express permission of the artist.
Interview by Lorien Fenton
Page Design by Hilary Kretchmer
