Marilyn Olson & Richard Boulet
One Molecule of Perfect & Opulent, 2020
This artist statement is an excerpt of Mark Clintberg’s curatorial essay, “One molecule of perfect: the collaborative work of Marilyn Olson and Richard Boulet”, written for Richard and Marilyn’s works featured in the McMullen Gallery.
There are: ribbons and swaths of vibrantly tinted organza; lavender and grey needle-felted sculptural pieces; a clear-plastic bag filled with rainbow-dyed pom-poms; and countless other handmade textile fragments and mass-produced supplies - each of which has its ultimate purpose in the large-scale, layered, and complex textile collages that will be featured in Marilyn Olson and Richard Boulet’s upcoming show. It is early January 2020, and I’m fortunate to visit these two artists’ shared studio in Edmonton. There is a sense of anticipation in this studio, where I am surrounded by their collaborative work and supplies.
Text appears in many formats in this work. Boulet has an active, daily writing practice. The subject of his writing is usually reflective, and summarizes how he is feeling each day. Many texts he develops find their way into his artwork. Often, the cross-stitched works feature neologisms, reflecting what Boulet calls an “alternate speech pattern for people with schizophrenia.” Several works feature multiple crocheted bookmarks made by Olson, arranged to form individual letters, shapes, and words.
The mental health benefits of handcraft are evident to these two artists. Olson, who has experience in garment construction and making leather horse bridles, takes her crafting with her on trips to dog shows, and on the bus. Boulet continually returns to cross-stitch as a means by which to manage anxiety. He always has needlework underway. For both artists, crafting is a routine pursuit and part of sustaining mental health.
The title of this exhibition makes reference to a perfect molecule. Boulet explains that this phrase is a positive affirmation: if a person has at least one perfect molecule in them,it is enough to give hope. Olson adds to this: if there is one molecule of perfect in the world, there must be others. A central message of this exhibition, Richard explains to me, is the credo “mental health for everyone,” and that art has been an important way for him to manage mental health. Marilyn adds “everything is art! There is art in everything - a bookmark, a doll’s dress, or a flower - you can find art in it.” Reflecting on the potency of these messages, the power of one perfect molecule – even inside of humans, as flawed as humans are – cannot be underestimated.
One Molecule of Perfect
Opulent
Collaboration in Progress
Image Descriptions & Additional Information
1a) Old Woman Just Smiles, mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
1b) Old Woman Just Smiles (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
2) A Wandering (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
3a) Ladybug Kitten (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
3b) Ladybug Kitten (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
4a) Something or Another (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
4b) Something or Another (detail), mixed textiles, 2020. Image courtesy of the McMullen Gallery.
5) Mixed textiles, 2020 - ongoing. Image courtesy of the artist. Exhibit title courtesy of Marilyn Olson.
6) Mixed textiles, 2020 - ongoing. Image courtesy of the artist.
7) Mixed textiles, 2020 - ongoing. Image courtesy of the artist.
About the Artists
I was born in Edmonton and have spent most of my life in Edmonton and area. I lived 2 years in Anchorage, Alaska and a year in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. I began my accounting career in Calgary where I lived for twelve years.
Four years ago I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and a few other disorders. I have been struggling with my mental wellness since my late teens but the stigma prevented me from getting help. I have gotten help now to support my mental wellness.
Coincidentally, I was dealing with some physical health issues. I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Physically every day is a struggle. Some days are better than others.
Currently I volunteer few hours a week with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton. Making art is new to me. I’m just now realizing how my craft becomes art. Richard and I have been working together since May 2019. I am confident that I’m finding my voice as an artist. I constantly work on my mental and physical wellness. I also train and show my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Richard Boulet – R A G E H O P E (Installation view with artist), Curated by Dick Averns for Nickle Galleries, 2017. Photo: Dave Brown, LCR Photo Services.
Richard Boulet lives and works in Edmonton. He holds a BFA from the University of Manitoba School of Art, Winnipeg, MB, Canada and an MFA from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Boulet was the subject of an exhibition, Stitched and Drawn, curated by Wayne Baerwaldt and circulated by Alberta College of Art and Design’s Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Ace Art Inc., and the Textile Museum of Canada from 2009 to 2013. His solo show, A Retrospective, opened at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie in 2016, and in 2017 the solo RAGE HOPE, curated by Dick Averns opened at the Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary. Boulet has been working in non-profit mental health for 10 years, currently working in administration at the Canadian Mental Health Association- Edmonton. He met his textile partner, Marilyn Olson, through “Peer Connections” programming run by a club called “Textile Arts Open Studio,” hosted through CMHA. Boulet and Olson are exhibiting “One Molecule of Perfect” at the McMullen Gallery in spring 2021.