About the Cat

Bio: Scott Olson-Strollin Cat

Growing up in south Louisiana, I was exposed to a unique blend of brightly colored images which were often amplified and accompanied by local music and tasty food. I had always had an interest in all forms of visual and musical arts. During my sophomore year at LSU, I began taking Jewelry and Metalsmithing courses which led me to acquire a minor in the discipline. I placed second in the undergraduate student show which included all media ( painting, sculpture, drawing and photography etc.). During this time, I taught Jewelry classes in the Leisure program at LSU, while also showing my work in galleries in Louisiana and Texas. Following graduation, I moved to Portland, Oregon where I continued to work as a studio jeweler, creating art to where pieces.

With money tight, I began to work in industrial sales which led to more work, and less time to make art. In the industrial sales role, I saw all types of products being made with processes like automated cutting (plasma and lasers). Fabricated products in steel, aluminum, aerospace alloys, plastics and wood. I visited large industrial casting facilities and glass manufacturers. I did occasionally create some work during this 20-year time frame; however, I could not turn the work off and the art on!

With the onset of covid, traveling and conducting business came to a halt, which opened the door for me to make art once again! In 2021 I began building out my studio in Phoenix, AZ with processing equipment, and I also decided to move up in scale to wall sculptures, lighting and functional glass work.

My Work:

Is modern, bold, colorful and expressive. I seek to engage the viewer with implied movement and storytelling. I fabricate in gauge steel and aluminum to create volume, and I use acrylic paint with lots of texture. I also use luscious, fused glass elements in my work to reflect and transmit light.