“‘Pick Up Sticks’ is a grouping of shapes that convey a communal effort to become something more than individual effort. You may see these bright coloured shapes as fresh new shoots of life coming forth. The ground on which they appear is a reused substrate that has been ‘freshened up’ to support this new growth.
‘Journey’ has a similar theme in that all the parts have been something else before and now come together in a unique expressive way to make a new statement. There is strength and vulnerability co-existing in which I personally relate to the beauty of a matriarchal approach.
‘Free For All’ bears witness to the notion that beauty lies deep within. This was a painting that had outlasted it’s interest to me. So, I began grinding it down to repurpose. The good thing about remaining present is that unexpected beauty oLen arises in this process and this new piece emerged. The vitality and value was lying within it and just needed to be gently revealed.”

“I am a first-generation Dutch-Canadian visual artist currently based in Peterborough, Ontario. My work bears an ongoing curiosity with contrasting relationships as are played out in the theatre of the world around us. It is informed in part by the study of the subtle energy and geometric patterns that are scientifically considered to be the building blocks of the material universe. This includes ancient sacred geometry, quantum theory and the intersection of science and metaphysics. Spatial tension and interaction of shapes are often presented through interactive constructions playfully executed with a colour-palette absorbed from my years living in Mexico. The love of form, shape and texture are often related through wood, rock, steel and found objects that are managed with fire and force into what I refer to as ‘elemental transformation’. My formal art education started in Chicago at a liberal arts college with Henk Krijger, a celebrated master printmaker, type designer, painter and sculptor from the Netherlands. Other early influences began diversely with Salvador Dali, Willem de Kooning, Claes Oldenburg and Robert Rauschenberg. I studied at the Ontario College of Art (OCAD) with practicing abstract expressionists and conceptual artists through many forms of expression and received my degree in the Experimental Arts program. Consequently I find it natural and meaningful to apply any of multiple skill sets and artistic disciplines along with materials knowledge to explore new concepts and unique solutions. I continue to expand my interest, repertoire of materials and multi-disciplinary output in addressing our relationship to one another and the world around us.

I am currently represented by Gagné Contemporary, Toronto and New York and have selected works at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Stan Olthuis’ work is on permanent display at the gallery. To see more of his work go to our online SHOP.

”Life offers endless possibilities for those who wish to choose. This interactive artwork prompts the viewer to become part of the process of creating.

Interchangeable pieces hanging on pegs can be rearranged almost endlessly. One side of each piece is charred black while the other side may have a colour. The act to change the order instantly gives a new version of the artwork. Contemplating the new resulting image for minutes, hours or over a period of days can become an act of meditation.

The wood materials used have been flame torched and sealed. The treatment produces a texture and patina as if halting the decay of a recovered relic or talisman once used in ancient wisdom ceremonies.”