ROSEMARY OLLISON
b. 1942, Portland, Arkansas
Wisconsin Connection: resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rosemary Ollison: Inspirational Transitions
By Mikeda Cannon
Rosemary Ollison was born in 1942, in Portland, Arkansas, where she was raised by her grandparents. Her grandfather played a pivotal role in her life and she states "The man (my grandfather) was what I pictured God to be."
When she was fourteen years old, Rosemary's grandfather died and this loss was followed by a series of transitions. She and her grandmother moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they resided with her great aunt. Rosemary married at nineteen and had two children. She divorced her husband after a tumultuous seven year marriage. "There are many facets to my life," Ollison says. "Living involves many things." She cites the loss of her grandfather as having the most impact on her life. "The death of my grandfather...I believe that experience made me who I am now."
Rosemary Ollison regularly updates her website with new drawings paintings and writings. All images are provided courtesy of the artist.
A self-taught artist, Rosemary Ollison began her work later in life, with the encouragement of friends and artist advocacy groups. She now views herself as a professional artist. Among her varied artistic interests are writing, painting, drawing and the production of digital art. "I love to write," she explains, "but I primarily enjoy drawing and painting...(ultimately) I want people to be inspired by my art, (I want it) to bring out feeling(s) they were unaware of, but also I want people to enjoy it."
By her account, Rosemary Ollison has composed approximately 235 poems and countless visual images. She is actively involved with the artist advocacy group ABEA and The Museum of Computer Art (MOCA). "I wasn't exposed to art," she explains. "I want to educate people about the benefit and joys of art. There is enough art out there for everyone to enjoy something."
Rosemary Ollison credits her artistic talent and inspiration to God. She considers herself an inspirational artist, who "create(s) from the heart" and her freedom comes from her artistic endeavors.
Interview with Rosemary Ollison, conducted by Mikeda Cannon, November 17, 2009
You moved when you were sixteen. What was the transition to Milwaukee like?
It was a really traumatic thing.
How did this move affect your art?
It has everything to do with it.
When my grandfather died we went to live with my grandmother’s sister and then my uncle. My grandfather was my first loss. I had a charmed life and then after that… most of my early creations are about a fear of loss. My art is really who I am. The death of my grandfather…I believe that experience made me who I am now.
This man (my grandfather) was what I pictured God to be. It took me 47 years to realize that my relationship with God needed to be like the relationship I had with my grandfather.
What are the mediums you work with?
I love writing. But primarily I enjoy drawing and painting. Right now I am pursing my writing, I want to improve. I think I might reach more people through writing.
You have created quite a few digital images, Why digital art?
I love pushing buttons on the computer! Basically, I had photo shop and I wanted to see what it would do. I have around 30 images at MOCA. Initially I submitted twelve and ten were published. I was told that what I created most artists would have thrown away, but because of my color intuition it worked. I love digital art, and I hope to make bigger images. Most of what I do is a gift. I am inspired.
There are so many facets to my life. Usually when someone asks me a question I’m already ready to and I go find it.
I have around 235 poems and 57 articles. I can go find it.
How do you feel about artist documentation?
I think it’s good. I do quite a bit of reading about artists on websites. It’s really good when you are able to see an image and relate it to a person. It helps me to see what other people are feeling and thinking.
You’ve documented yourself on a personal website. Would you advise other artists to do the same?
I think it’s wonderful depending on personality. It’s really fulfilling if you get into it.
How has it been fulfilling for you?
It lets me see a big picture, of what I am able to do and what I’ve done. It’s better than trying to look through files…
What role does technology play in your creative process?
I am fascinated with technology. I want to know what I can do.
On your website you have a poem about qualifying. How do you qualify yourself?
Now after 27 years I qualify myself based on knowing myself and loving myself. My goal is not to be in a position for any human to qualify me. I want to get to the place where I can define my own circumstances. I want to become self-sufficient. Take charge of your own life.
I know that you moved from living in “a black and white world,” but could you explain the title, “Have No Fear of Colors” from digital gallery 3?
I lived literally in black and white. The black and white was comfortable. At first, if I liked it (color) I used it. I don’t believe what men say about colors. But people said I had too many colors (in my home). So, I lived in black and white for around 13 years. I was inspired by God to change colors. When I did I was enlightened by what colors can do for you. Black and white worlds create right and wrong. Colors reflect different views and opinions. I was enlightened and empowered to use color. I don’t know anything about colors. I just like color, it makes me feel. I think there is some truth to colors and feeling. (laughs) But I had so many colors in my room that I’ve had to tone it down.
Have you participated in any recent exhibitions?
This year I’ve been in three shows, with ABEA. That was my life saver.
On the exhibition page of your website, Julie Pratt McQuiston said your art is “decidedly surreal” what do you think about being called a surrealist?
I don’t even know what a surrealist is.
For you what is inspiration?
Inspiration for me is being inspired by God, receiving information from God.
How do you gain inspiration? How do you start a work?
First I deal with ‘revelation to a higher source’ I receive the illustration first. And usually, every morning I wake up between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. No later than 6:00 a.m., and before I open my eyes I have these illustrations ‘visions’ concepts in my mind. I may stay there for thirty minutes just meditating, receiving. I am inspired in the morning. If I start writing around six I may write until one. On average I write five hours a day.
Which inspires you first the writing or the image?
To me the better inspiration is when I get the visual first. But now I am working with words. I am learning words I didn’t know before. When I first started writing Evelyn (Terry) called it prose. Now I feel I’ve graduated from simple words because I’m learning more words.
How do you describe what you do as an artist?
I live; I live my life to the fullest. I do whatever comes into my mind. With the exception of bad things, the bad things I don’t do. But basically I just live. And living involves many things. When I say I live. I mean I create, I love, I share, I learn.
How would you define yourself as an artist?
I would say I’m an inspirational artist. I create from the heart. I am free as an artist. I find freedom.
Your website is titled “Introduction and Index to ‘Beyond Religion.’” How do you feel your concept of religion affects your art?
I feel that we all have a God given purpose, and I feel my purpose is to enlighten people with my art. I feel my art has a message. It gives you freedom. It goes beyond black and white. I think people need religion, but when you really find God you are really fulfilled. I think God created us to communicate with Him. We should go beyond religion and make a connection personally with God.
A lot of your art seems to deal with women why?
Basically because I spend most of my time with women, as a child I was sickly and I was with my grandmother and her friends a lot. That’s where a lot of these images come from.
What is art?
I don’t know. Whatever anyone wants it to be.
How do you evaluate art?
It’s a gift from God to be used for good and not to be abused.
So for you is art good or bad?
My personal experience with art has been life saving. I don’t make distinction between good art and bad art. It’s all good if it come from a person.
If you don’t like it what would you say about it?
I have choices, and because of my make-up there are things I don’t like. I don’t like chitlins some people do. Are they good or bad? I don’t know. I just know I don’t like them.
How did you begin to see yourself as an artist?
From ABEA, Della (Wells), From Evelyn (Terry). The members and the meetings convinced me.
Why do so many artists and creators have such volatile personalities?
I think there is a thin line between creativity and insanity. In order to be an artist you have to allow yourself to feel and then have the courage to express those feelings. It exposes you to a lot of criticism and self-doubt because you’re looking at the ‘great qualifier’ especially visual artists, you can see them in their work.
Do you feel you can see a person in words?
I know you can, but words are fleeting. But when you put yourself in a painting you can’t deceive people as well as you can with words.
You do both, so where do we see you best?
More in my painting, and in my unedited writing. When I’m writing I inject the feelings and thoughts of others. When I’m painting it’s just mine. There is some art I don’t let people see. I have a piece of art, The Pretty Penis and The Pretty Vagina, but I keep them in my closet.
Why?
I have art for different audiences, when I do show my art it’s to different people. I have art that has sexual overtones and I separate it (from other work). The same art I show to my grandchild and we might laugh about, might affect another older more conservative person differently. I think it (art with sexual references) would sell well, but the audience needs to be right. I know what to show to who. For me though, all of my art is me.
Must an artist constantly reinvent herself?
I don’t think you can. I think you can pretend to be someone. I don’t feel I am invented. I feel I was created. Because I see myself as being created, God created me free. I can be who I was created to be. Now I know I was created to be an artist.
Who were you before you knew you were an artist?
I was a walking dead woman; I was nobody before I realized that I was created to be an artist.
Which artist do you admire and how do they influence your work?
There are some artists that I like as a person, apart from their work. I spend time appreciating them all. Some of them I relate to.
You have quite a few images on your walls, some are quite famous, do they influence you?
When I look at art I don’t look at the name. I just look at the work. I don’t know who they are but I like them. I like old art. I like things. I like the scenery. They all say something to me.
What do you think about public funding for the art?
I think it’s wonderful! There should be more.
Is art necessary?
The world is art, without it what would the world be?
Does it pain you to let go of a piece?
No, because if it is going to hurt I’m not going to do it.
Is a work of art purchased? Or is it better said that the artist is bought?
I would say a detached part of the artist is bought, which I am willing to give.
In art there is no guide, how do you know what the next step should be?
I know the next step only because I continue to live. If I continue to live there will be a next step, even if I don’t know it right away.
How do you feel about the fact that pieces exhibited in contemporary art museum are often of deceased artists?
I don’t understand what the reason is behind it. Maybe its because they can’t get anymore. Somebody made these decisions. I don’t think it’s fair to living artist.
What role do others play in your art, for example galleries, art dealers, etc.?
I think they played an important role. Without them I wouldn’t be recognized.
Do you personally collect any items?
Yes, but only based on the way it looks. I like Picasso, I can’t afford him but I can get a copy.
Do any of the objects in your home inspire you?
All of them, everything in my house has meaning. My first bedroom set (re-purposed in the living room), two cow bells with original dirt in them. If it doesn’t make me feel anything I don’t want it around me.
You seem to have quite a few containers in your home. Do you think there is anything to having so many containers?
I have a lot of precious things; I need to put them in containers. I want things to look pretty. If it’s ugly cover it. Rubber bands, paper clips, I put them in a container.
What websites do you frequently visit and why?
I do a lot of research on religion, art, help, and blues music. I go to BB King’s website a lot. I do all my blues (musicians). I like reading about old blues musicians.
Speaking of music, today everyone has music in their ears all day; do you listen to anything while you create?
No, because that creative voice mixes too much with my own. But I do like a little scotch and milk while I am creating.
What advice would you give to those beginning in their art?
It depends on age. If I was going to be an artist, and I was young, I would go to school. For the younger ones, I think they would have a better chance with a degree in art.
Any other advice you would give to artists?
I would advise other artists to get involved in a group because of what ABEA has done for me. If it hadn’t been for ABEA I would not have persued selling any art. Della (Wells) just gives me information. I really appreciate that.
Could say a few words about involve with MARN (Milwaukee Artists Resource Network)?
I’ve just recently joined. I didn’t hear about it until a few months ago. However, I have a mentor and I think it is going to be good.
What do you hope to get from your involve with MARN?
More insight into the business side of artwork. I am just looking for more exposure. My mentor is going to help me better present my poetry.
What is the intention of your art?
From my experience, the first part of my art is dark. It helped me to see what was inside me, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was! I looked at a mouse and thought I saw a camel, but the big monsters weren’t that big. That’s in the past. There are still some people who might need to see that art. My art does make people feel. I was emotionally dead and my art made me feel again. At first the emotions were negative, but if I could live with the negative feelings then I could move toward better ones. I think the digital art is just beautiful. I want people to be inspired by my art, to bring out feelings they were unaware of, but also I want people to enjoy it. I wasn’t exposed to art. I want to educate people about the benefit and joys of art. There is enough art out there for everyone to enjoy something.
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Pretty Ruler (above) (c) Rosemary Ollison
Proud Steppin' Woman (c) Rosemary Ollison
Rosemary Ollison (c) the artist
Girlfriends (c) Rosemary Ollison
(above and below) Abstract series (c) Rosemary Ollison
