Cole Oleson

Cole Oleson graduated in the Spring of 2018 from Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture. Oleson use of historical/local architectural salvaged materials, lead his work in the discovery and interpretation of found objects into fine art furnishing. Taking inspiration from these found objects whether its texture, linear patterning, color palette or the structural material of the piece itself. Contrasting the aged object with the use of high grade steel, these pieces are strong and stationary while complementary to the space in which they rest.   His work is a reflection of his nature of collecting and transforming objects to fit an environment while creating a new and fresh perspective. Oleson has worked on campus for the Sculpture Department as a lab monitor, being available for a range of tasks and assistance for multiple classes using the open studio space, while being an active officer of the department Sculpture Club. He received The Goundie Award, a scholarship that is given to a declared sculpture major whose work demonstrates a commitment to outstanding sculptural practices. Awarded for work exhibited in Sculpture + Metals Student Show 2018. Oleson also received the Mary E Van Memorial Scholarship in the previous year for the work shown in the Junior Scholarship Juried Show Competition, which was followed by Crossing Over: Department of Art and Design Scholarship Invitational Exhibition.

Collecting has been a habit or hobby you could say, from childhood. Picking up natural artifact’s, discarded furniture and architectural objects to one day use them in a new way is a central theme in my work. I base my work around these items, drawing from their textures, materials or patterns. Using the history of the items and the narrative they already hold, I transform the original function to a new an interesting perspective through studio art furnishing.