Clay Olson "rides" graffiti-pop movement

 Graffiti-pop artist Clay Olson hopes to leave his colorful, graffiti-speckled mark on Sarasota in preparation for his second solo exhibition, titled "Ride 'em Indian." Consisting of 20 new pieces containing a Ben-Day dot-spin on iconic Native Americans such as Sitting Bull and Old West gunslingers such as Doc Holiday, the collection was inspired by Olson’s fascination with facial expressions, particularly within the Native American culture.

“I love to work with Indian faces because they contain such strong emotion. It’s hard to resist being pulled into the history behind each piece,” Olson states. “And what better to go with Indians than cowboys.” Olson's signature technique is to stack layers of hand-cut stencils, creating an image through shades of color.

Earning a loyal local following with celebrated pieces at The Clothesline Gallery and Harvey Milk Festival, Olson recently expanded his artistic endeavors, creating a fashion line  of pop-art tees for men and women alike. Patterns include images of Marilyn Monroe, puckered lips and karate-chopping leopards. Local celebrities and fashion plates like Dylonn Cole (d. cole hair design) have been spotted sporting the line, causing a surge in sales and local media interest. Olson plans to have new shirt designs available at the show to match the Indian theme. Original paintings and 8 x 10 prints ($10) will also be for sale.

"Ride 'em Indian," an exhibit by Clay Olson
Nov. 16, 2012, 6 - 10 p.m.
The Gallery at 252 S. Links Avenue
Light drinks served.

- Anthony Paull is a syndicated columnist, filmmaker and author. His debut novel Outtakes of a Walking Mistake was an NPR finalist for Best Teen Novel Ever.