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closeThe words subversive, toys and dioramas don't often mix in the same sentence.
But that's just what artist Christina Olsen Burtner, 28, combines to create her vibrant still lifes. The Sehome High School graduate and Seattle resident will show her works at Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen through October.
She spoke with The Herald via e-mail about how serious toys can be.
Question: How would you describe your art?
Answer: I'd describe my art as critical, disguised as cute. I use toys as actors in still lifes that I make, adjusting the lights for dramatic effect. The scenes appear obvious at first glance, which I'm happy about because it can stop there if the viewer doesn't want to look deeper. But if they do want to take a look, then just underneath the obvious I try to sneak in some symbolism. I paint mostly in oil paints, which are usually associated with being used by the classical and traditional. And although I do use the same traditional techniques taught to me in school, my subject matter is a little more whimsical.
Q: Where does the inspiration for your work come from?
A: From life. My opinions come through my art, but because creating art is about discovery for me, I try to keep an open mind. A few things from life that really give me ideas are my travels and experiences being outside of my element. I've been lucky enough to study abroad twice, once to Rome for art, and once to Taipei, Taiwan, for Chinese. Each time I meet people and find myself in awkward situations while trying to communicate, I find that language barriers are hard to cope with but visual communication always comes through, like a universal language I'm finding.
Q: How did you get started with art?
A: Things that helped influence me to pursue art in college were my family and how I grew up. Both my brother, David Olsen, and father, Gary Olsen, are artists. My childhood was always surrounded by artists and colorful people. My dad raised my brother and me as a single parent, and I guess I always just associated art as relating to the stronger side of my parents.
Q: What role does art play in your life?
A: The role that art plays in my life is one of introspection and meditation. I'm sort of a hectic person, always running around and doing things, and when I'm not doing something I get all antsy. Art, for me, is my one way to sit down and just breathe. I can paint for hours, with music on, the window open, and just not think about anything else but painting.
Q: What goals do you have for your work?
A: My goal for my work in the future is to start doing some epic shows that only happen once every two or three years. Instead of having 50 pieces in one show, each with their own story, I'd like my next show to be 50 pieces building up to express an idea about one epic story.
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