We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steve Ohlrich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Steve, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 2017 I was commissioned by Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to create 2 oil paintings celebrating their relationships with local nonprofits. One of the two paintings I created was for United Way of Milwaukee County. These works were to be in a show with works created by other artists, and the show’s theme was “Breaking down the barriers that separate us.” This is something I think a lot about and when I had the opportunity to express my passion around this idea, I was excited! The scene is a landscape reflective of the area, and in the foreground and middle ground are three oak trees, which are abundant in the midwest, surrounded by a chain of figures holding hands. The figures I painted represent diversity of race, age, gender, mobility, etc. I wanted to convey the importance of all people connecting as a community responsible for each other. The oak trees acted as the three pillars of United Way bearing their respective symbols. I felt love for this project and happily, it was well received. If I believe in what I am painting, the love and passion come through in the composition, and color of the work.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Drawing and telling stories is what I did as a child and continue to do in my work today. I describe it as my subconscious mind flooding me with imagery and I organize it according to my experience and whimsy. It’s like waking up from a dream and filtering through the seemingly chaotic imagery and finding meaning in the symbols. As a kid it was always drawing with a pencil, but as I moved on in my adult education, I discovered the beauty, flexibility, and physicality of oil paint. The paintings and drawings I do range from my own creative story-telling compositions to projects for clients. When I produce work for a gallery, it involves figures, landscapes, and architecture composed in an often surreal manner, telling a narrative. For a client, it usually revolves around a concept or is representational involving a specific subject. For instance, an insurance company commissioned me for a project reflecting their work with nonprofits. Their theme was “Breaking down the barriers that separate us”, and I made sure to reflect that in the work with a diverse group of people holding hands as if engaged in a common goal. I also receive commissions by a real estate firm, and for them I produce oil paintings of homes for their clients and my focus is bring out the beauty of the architecture, and honor the memories within. When it’s a specific concept for a client, I work closely with them in building a series of sketches, and color studies and, progress with their approval at each stage of completion. What I focus on is what they are asking for and simply producing in image reflecting my style but more importantly, what is requested. The pride I find in my work is delivering a painting or drawing that was created to the best of my abilities in a timely manner. A work that reflects my skill, playfulness, warmth, and if for a client, respect for their wishes.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is sharing. I share my creative point of view, and story-telling in my personal work. I painted a nocturnal scene with a spooky house and fireflies for a gallery, and a couple cashed-in an investment to purchase the painting. The gallery owner said he could have sold that work several times that night. I never got to speak with the people who bought it, but it must have connected with them in a profound way. For clients I share my skill, professionalism and ability to listen to their request. A client commissioned me for a portrait of her son. She told me his interests were vikings, pirates, and knights. I created three sketches reflecting each interest, and he picked the viking sketch for the final painting. This was the image that came to me almost unconsciously, and I was glad he chose that one. The client and I worked back and forth on a few details and in the end I gave her my style which is what she wanted, but also incorporated her input. Lastly, as an art instructor, I share my skill, experience creating, and passion for what I do in the studio with my students. I often have students tell me how patient I am, and how I am able to clearly articulate feedback and step-by-step instruction. Being clear, and patient with a student truly helps them feel cared for which is very important for me to offer.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I know myself to be a creative artist and teacher and it is why I’m here! As a student at a school of academic realism, there were no student loans to cover tuition and repay at a later date. I paid in check form each year, and paid for supplies and portrait models. School took most of my day and it was hard to earn much at a job. But, I knew this to be my mission and source of joy so I made it work and ate a lot of Ramen soup. As a professional, there were definitely times money was tight. As much as I would create, there would be periods without sales or commissions. One time in particular, I was feeling depressed and frustrated and considering pursuing another line of work while walking to the mailbox. After pulling out the mail, I sorted through it and there was a red envelop. I opened it and it was from the gallery that was representing me at the time. Inside the envelop was a check from a recently sold painting. The receive this just at the moment I was in despair was to me a sign to keep going, and I did!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.steveohlrich.com
• Instagram: @steveohlrich
• Facebook: Steve Ohlrich, Artist
• Linkedin: steveohlrich