| For Erika Oller, painting is a laughing matter. The Folk Tree Collection in Pasadena is
pleased to present its fourth exhibition of her whimsical and ironic images from February
28 - April 10, 2004. The subject matter of her watercolors and monotypes are caricatured
animals and humans, captured in quirky situations and always with a comically meaningful
edge. This show, entitled Of Cats and the Good Times, is a natural evolution of her work,
this time with a focus on our feline friends. The public is invited to a reception and book
signing for the artist on Saturday, February 28, from 2 - 6 P.M. Oller signs her latest
children's publication, The Cabbage Soup Solution (Penguin Books), which she wrote and
illustrated. As in the past, this exhibit is light-hearted, with images varying in size. Some of the original works shown have been reproduced for cards. Oller has an unconditional love and respect for animals, who have always been significant subjects in her work, from the common house pet to more exotic species. Since cats and cat lovers are ubiquitous in our culture, they were an obvious source of inspiration for the show. All of her animals are portrayed with individuality and express what some might consider only human emotions. Although cats figure prominently in the current installation, there are several other themes presented as well. Oller's humans tend to be substantial in size. As she puts it, "they mean business." Long-nosed with ample body types, her people find themselves involved in off-beat activities - she gently pokes fun at them without ridicule. Besides being an accomplished painter/printmaker, Oller has also illustrated several children's books, including Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Dogs, Dogs, Dogs, and Cats, Cats, Cats (Simon & Schuster). Her most recent publication, The Cabbage Soup Solution (Penguin Books) was both written and illustrated by her. This is the story of Elsie, her cabbage farm, and some very hungry rabbits who begin to dig up her vegetables and eat them. Elsie comes up with a clever solution so that she and the rabbits can help each other, live in harmony, and satisfy their appetites. The artist is a longtime Pasadena resident. She received a fine arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. In addition to her fine art background, she has a line of images reproduced on cards, calendars, posters, and a variety of other gift items which are available throughout the country and beyond. The Folk Tree Collection is located at 199 S. Fair Oaks Ave. (15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, off the end of the 110 freeway ) near the heart of Old Pasadena. The Folk Tree is a few doors south at 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For further information, call (626)793-4828. |
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