Leif Olson
Originally from San Francisco and a 1973 graduate of California College of Arts in Oakland, Olson feels his true education came while taking part in a Hippie-type floating commune in 1974 that traveled through New Zealand, Melanesia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka for three years. Like pirates, they stumbled through a mutual adventure in exotic and remarkable environs while deeply relying on those that would not otherwise be friends. Olson moved to Champaign about 13 years ago and a great extent of his work deals with the individual in relation to his environment or with individuals in relation to each other. “If we are here to get along and make this a paradise on earth, art could get me there. Perhaps if there is a point to all of this is that the things that bind us and keep us vibrant are also elusive and made of magical elements contrary to logic of the laws of nature. I have really nothing to say. I really have no lessons to teach. Be here now and love more than you are loved. “