Plasticize Me | Erik Olson

Using quilted plastic waste as his medium, artist Erik Olson creates artwork that deals with the effects of consumerism, mass consumption and unfettered capitalism. By layering environmental issues with social justice messaging, his art emphasizes our alienation from the environment and each other, our willingness to waste, and our subsequent need for healing. By minimizing his carbon footprint in the creation of pieces and transcending the medium without denying what it is, Erik creates art that embodies Marshall McLuhan’s concept that “the medium is the message.”

About the Artist
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in advertising design from Iowa State University, Erik Olson moved to Minnesota and worked as a creative in the Twin Cities advertising industry. Shortly after retiring from advertising, a friend urged him to use his design skills to create art from quilted plastic waste. Since 2009, he has won numerous awards and exhibits and sells both locally and nationally. Erik works out of his home studio in Plymouth MN where he creates large-scale works from quilted plastic waste.

For more information about Erik Olson visit http://www.erikjonolson.com/about-the-artist