Artist Statement

My intent is to challenge the viewer to understand and appreciate themselves and the world around them more fully. I use a combination of materials: cast metal, stone, enamels, found and fabricated objects to create sculptures that express an idea or emotion with symbolic imagery. My sumi ink paintings are spontaneous yet thoughtful, providing a window into my inner creative process. Photography allows me to share my raw experiences such as colorful reflected light in a pool or the rich textures of a deteriorating building.

Short Bio

Teresa Bolton Olavarria grew up in the midwest U.S. and lived for several years in Colorado and Virginia. She graduated from University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1984. After a semester at the University of Louisville in the Masters of Art Therapy program she moved to Colorado and started a family. During her child raising years she designed t-shirts, cards and toys and sculpted pumpkins. Eventually returning to Ohio, her interest in enameling and metal casting rekindled. She taught Art Camps and workshops at the Dayton Art Institute, enamel classes at Rosewood Art Center in Kettering and drawing and collage at several Dayton Metro Libraries. She worked as a web designer and has experience in both two and 3D digital design. Her art has been exhibited primarily in Ohio, but collected nationally. She has collaborated on public art installations and looks forward to future opportunities. She is currently seeking a venue for a multi-artist show about the brain.