Ink, watercolor, fabric art by Lynne Zickerman Olson at Artists" Co-op of Mendocino

Heart and Flowers
by Featured Artist Lynne Zickerman Olson
Gallery: June 2021, and Online: ongoing

Orange Carnations

“Flowers are completely compelling to me in my current format: ink drawing then watercolor! So straight forward and direct. Thanks to Suzi Long and Laura Corben for their demonstrations." LZO

Note: These mixed media artworks have been reproduced as cards to purchase and are displayed at Lynne's individual exhibition space in the Co-op Gallery.

At the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino June’s featured member artist Lynne Zickerman Olson presents us with bouquets of flowers done with ink line and watercolor. The “heart” is singular for a purpose, it is an expression of overflow from the heart of the artist; the “flowers” are plural. Although her art has usually been based on realistic observation, Lynne is aware that there has been a shift in her focus from a more personal art based on resonate moments in her own life to universal experiences.
After the death of Dan Olson, her husband of almost 50 years, Lynne painted a series of lotus flowers, a symbol of enlightenment and resurrection, using her art to grieve and restructure her life. The lotus flower is rooted in dark mud, yet the blossoms come forth pure and clean, a symbol of hope. In this new series the artist bursts forth with a wealth of floral variations. Each one is drawn with close attention to their forms, sensitive ink lines surrounding floral shapes filled with vibrant colors, a celebration of life and the endless variations found in Nature and the joy of a garden. “If I must be awake – I will paint” is her defining statement.
Lynne Zickerman Olson continues to make her home in Comptche where she and her husband spent many summers during her long career as a highly regarded peer support facilitator and art instructor in the Bay Area, teaching junior high, high school, and community college students. The couple eventually moved to Comptche full time and both enjoyed creating art.

by Laura Corben, June 2021