Mahilaw & Ginto
Systems artist, Impressionist painter, BS biochemistry
I am a system through which all the languages I’ve learned over my lifetime can connect with each other, transmit information, and somehow convert a similar version of the same concept into the output. Is it the output I expected? Not always. I’ve learned to make it work. This is why I’m an impressionist, not a perfectionist.
This is to say, my translations may have errors. Some of my languages are based on objective facts and logic, mathematical and scientific. Some are not so much; they are more subjective and qualitative. I take accountability for this for these are my own interpretations of my art, and your perception is just as important. Take from these translations that this is the heart of the work but take from it what you need for yourself.
Languages that I am familiar with:
American English
Northern Michigan native dialect – “Yooper-adjacent”
Biochemistry (genetics & epigenetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physics, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, plant/human/fungi physiology, human anatomy)
Acrylic paint & color theory, the color spectrum as relates to physics and light particles
Music, time signatures, a little mandolin and guitar here and there. I can’t read sheet music. I just feel the notes
Mathematics (through calculus 2. But my favorites are geometry, statistics, trigonometry, precalculus)
Learning Manobo (Bukid) “Filipina” language from maternal Grandma’s heritage that I grew up around
Spanish (elementary school + 3 years)
French (1 year)
Customer service, reception (10 years)
Hockey playing & working at the rink (10 years)
“Middle sibling”
And most importantly, fluent in Kelslish
I am a Manobo descendent. I do not force a painting. I let it tell its story through all the languages its meant to.
I appreciate the support endlessly. My art is helping me find my identity, something I’ve been searching for all these years.
KAO. Kelsey Olson. SymbiotiKels.
Impressionism
I’m an acrylic painter specializing in impressionism. My work focuses on light, layers, and symbiosis- a connecting force making us more than our parts. I also focus on themes of health and healing in the world among us. I strive to show special connections in everyday moments.
Additional media: acrylic marker, alcohol marker, colored pencil, oil pastel
Acrylic Commissions
8×10″ commissions start at $200 (small)
11×14″ commissions start at $350 (medium)
16×20″+ commissions start at $550+ (large)
*Standard commissions come with a 6-8 week timeline as I also work part-time seasonally at a non-profit (12 weeks for large commission). Please let me know of any deadlines.
Scientific theory
My experimentation is in art, and my formal training is a BS in biochemistry from Central Michigan University (2021). This allows me to explore critical thinking, systematic processing, organics and inorganics of the world, among many other passions that allow me to pursue, most importantly, being a more connected member of my community.
Undergraduate Research:
Laboratory of Dr. Gary Dunbar, CMU. Participated in multiple years of independent research as well as assisting graduate mentors in determining efficacy of potential treatment for Huntington’s Disease. Biology (perfusions), chemistry (stock dilution, titration), & neuroscience laboratory practices (Barnes Maze, RotoRod, Cryostat). Research methods (data entry, scientific writing), senior capstone presentation. (2019-2021).
Artist’s Statement by KAO – July 2026
I am a systems artist, through and through, first and foremost. What I mean by this an observational awareness of patterns and connections throughout the world on an animate and inanimate level.
My background lies in biochemistry (2021), and my passions lie in both such and the artistic world. I have been creating art since my mother gave me the craft box as a toddler to help settle my restless energy. I had the two best art teachers in high school as mentors and am forever thankful for all they taught me. I aspire to become an art mentor for others as they were for me.
While I was pursuing my degree in biochemistry, I learned several key takeaways about systems:
1) Conservation of energy. Disorder. Entropy. Most importantly what I learned about disorder is that you have to foster the correct conditions in life in order for a reaction to proceed spontaneously. Trust the process, but take control of all that you are able to. Be fluid, but have self-discipline.
2) Light exists in a spectrum. And light exists in layers. We had a lot of labs on light and I have my lab partner to thank for holding me together. I had raging artistic ADHD and she had practical chemistry knowledge–together we survived symbiotically, coexisting with a purpose. And we’re still going.
3) We are powerful, organic machines. But we need rest, love, care. Our bodies make mistakes. Give yourself the grace you’d give someone else. It’s not system failure. You are not system failure. Growth is not always linear, but takes its form as in whatever natural path it comes in.
My art has a language of its own. Grammar and syntax, networks of ideas if you wish to read behind the colors. My personal meanings lie in grief, chronic conditions, PTSD, healing, community support.
I hope you may find your own personal meaning within my language to help you grow.
KAO – Kelsey Olson
Symbiotikels.com
Symbiotikels@icloud.com
Media: Acrylic paintings, multimedia sketches (ink, marker (alcohol/acrylic), oil pastel, colored pencil, etc.) Alternate process media: Writing, poetry/songwriting, guitar, mandolin
KAO
Kelsey A Olson
Contact
Symbiotikels@icloud.com
Social Media
Instagram: @symbiotikelsart
Facebook: KAO, SymbiotiKels