Heather Olson – From Howls to Horns: Our Shared Horizon

My work focuses on showing specific species of wildlife that have been sidelined, diminished, and even erased by humans; It also shows species who display great fortitude and perseverance alongside the corrective measures of human intervention and science-based studies (‘High Hand’-the return of Elk in Pennsylvania). At its core, this series illustrates that all species should have equal rights to coexist in our shared world. Some works explore stories of conflict, courage, and comeback (‘Dig Two Graves’-the Red Fox) while others convey my own ancestor’s role in the erasure of the Passenger Pigeon of northwestern Pennsylvania (‘A Part of Me Stole Their Souls’).

The work asks us to rethink the way that we observe, treat, and govern animals; It asks us to explore the complex systems of preference, value, and management practices—all put into place by humans and directed at these sentient, sacred beings simply trying to make a living. The work also acts as a mirror-suggesting that with corrective measures, respectful laws and governance, and a greater sense of empathy, our own journey towards future intergenerational sustainability could be within our reach.

Heather Olson grew up in Asheville, NY and, as a child, lived across the street from area painter, Russell Welch. Heather was directly influence by artists, Russell Welch and Jamestown-based artists and Southwestern Central elementary art teacher, Patricia Micciche (Freet), and grew up continuing their traditions of observation and creative expression. Heather splits her time between Dewittville and Clifton Springs, NY. She is the Executive Director and Gallery Curator of Main Street Arts. Heather has lived across the western US and Canada and owes much of her appreciation for places and animals to minds like by Aldo Leopold, John Muir, Annie Dillard, and Theodore Roosevelt. When Heather is not creating she is spending time with her family, friends, and animals at her small farm-offering safe habitat and space for coexistence.

“In wildness is the salvation of the world” -Henry David Thoreau

’The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.”