Exodus: Paradise
Systems artist, Impressionist painter, BS biochemistry
How do you perceive the world? What makes your observations unique to you? As a systems artist I aim to take scientific principles, translating my knowledge and experience through art to show how I see, sense, and feel. I aim to make sense of the environment through a lens of memories and analysis, incorporating patterns of known and unknown into a brand new system. I use paint as a tool, utilizing layers of light in various colors that each have their own meaning. I focus on connections, networks, theories, and processes within the world, exploring inner and outer experiences. This art is my journey, and I’m happy and proud to share with you.
My perception comes from my multilingual thinking. While I’m only able to speak English, my mind thinks in a combination of languages. This could be as simple as letters, words, numbers, senses, feelings with further identities attached. Think the number “7” on a cold, Winter day, aggressive, vs the same number forest green and corduroy, soft. I find connections in these patterns and translate the output as best I can into English. What do you feel in the cold day vs the forest? That’s the difference in the pattern.
This could be as complex as Bukidnon cosmology, due to my heritage on my maternal Grandmother’s side. I will not elaborate further (at this time).
I paint like a language. Colors have meanings. Motifs have identities. There is logic and order to the placement of each brush stroke, though it may feel like there isn’t.
I thank you for listening, though you may not have understood my words completely. I don’t ask that you do yet. I ask that you share in my story and my art with me, however much you choose to listen and learn. This is your time, too.
I appreciate the support endlessly.
KAO. Kelsey Olson.
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: @eclectiKelsart
Facebook: KAO, Artist