Meet Nitra Olsen | artistic wierdo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nitra Olsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nitra, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was younger I was determined to be a successful doctor. I ended up pursuing psychology with the goal of helping people. After struggling with my own losses and traumas, I ended up working in more of a social work role. Burnout and compassion fatigue are legitimate issues when dealing with people who are struggling. Art has always been an outlet for me, so when I fell in love with pottery, I decided to shift my life in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. I’m very lucky to have been able to do so.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of my current obsessions is animal sculpture. The weirder the animal, the better! I love learning new things about them and introducing people to how awesome nature is. I’ve spent a lot of time applying to gallery open calls and to stores that do consignment. I’ve been rejected too many times to count, but I’ve also had successes. I’ve learned to not take things too personally (but I still struggle with it some days). My advice is to just try. Ask the questions. Let people know you’re interested. Don’t be afraid of rejection. In the end, I’m just an artsy lil wierdo trying to bring joy into people’s lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I really wanted to punish and at the same time impress, I’d have them do the incline with me. Obviously hiking or biking Garden of the Gods if I just wanted to impress. For art, The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center at Colorado College, since that’s my home base with the Bemis School of Art, but I also have a HUGE spot in my heart for the Cottonwood Center for the Arts; I’m also an Airway artist there and still take every opportunity to enter their open calls to challenge myself. MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOOD! Thai Mint is my absolute favorite, and for Indian, It’s Little Nepal. For a really cool atmosphere with great food, Evergreen. I’m not a drinker so I’m not into bars but I LOVE Ivywild School; it’s an old school building that’s been converted into a brewery, a gymnasium for events, lots of restaurants, and my favorite spot: Odds & Ends Emporium (I have my sassiest stuff there for consignment). I’m also a skate park rollerskater, so if my visiting pal was a skater, we’d hit a ton of parks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I fell in love with pottery after taking classes at the Bemis School of Art. I fell head over heels with Crystalline glaze after a class with Jamie Howard. I realized that I’m not a horrible sculptress after taking a class with Cara McKinley. I received advice, mentorship, and love from Rui Haagen, Maggie Quinn, and Alyson Lewis Blanton. Tara Sevanne Thomas and Jeremiah Houck have graciously let me flit around the studio helping out while making and learning. Kazzandra Medellin has been integral to keeping me on track as a working grown up. Being accepted into the Bemis life has been instrumental in my progress and I’m thankful.

Website: https://nitraolsenart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitraolsenart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nitraolsenart/

Other: @nitraolsenart.bsky.social