Shelter Island exhibits the ever-present nature of "outsider" artist Olson as he relentlessly produces artwork in a symbolic progression that practically bursts out of the sides of the boundaries of the canvas. What lies within this artist is a never-ending demand -- a constant output both physically, artistically and mentally.
While working with Olson, Jimmy Olinkiewicz observed his characteristics and passion and noticed certain creativity traits within his autistic son, Alex. While his son is autistic, he also suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, but the youth throughout the movie expressed a keen confidence, humor, and joy. Jimmy's encouragement and ready acceptance of Alex's creativity was probably a catalyst that prompted Alex to produce his short film entitled "In My Mind," explaining his disability. This work has received millions of views on YouTube that led to a book publishing deal for Alex.
Throughout the documentary, it was evident that Jimmy had a great sentiment for the struggling artist, and gave him shelter and direction, all gearing him toward promotion of his artwork. Olson showed a great emotion for painting and collected his art supplies from a recycling area. He is obsessed with his painting and paints on anything near. He's painted on wooden boxes, old gasoline machines, carpets, cars, and more. He paints leaning over from a standing position to a canvas on the floor.
Olson has high energy, and is a bicyclist of dynamic vitality and spirit. His body is a machine boasting muscular contours. Olson eats only to live and is consumed with the symbols he feels command his expression. He paints these symbols both on the reverse and front of his paintings. Olson seems to be connected to a transcended energy that flows through him and out through his paintings to his canvases and eventually to those they inspire, excite and attract. His colors may be muted or brash, but they catch the eye and heart of the viewer. One wonders: is he touching something in another realm? Are his expressions of a tribal nature? Are these communications from space? Whatever they are, they come from another source and flow like an erupting volcano through Olson's paints.
As Shelter Island progresses, the benevolent Jimmy tutors the artist in the more cultural aspects of his craft, taking him to the Guggenheim Museum and showing him the Kandinsky exhibit. Being a businessman, Jimmy introduces Olson and his paintings to another artist and together, they secure for Olson an exhibit at a Manhattan Chelsea gallery.
Great interest was expressed at the Opening of Olson's show and he sold two paintings at his first exhibit. Each of his paintings were priced above $1000. Olson still lives on the island. He may have upgraded his appearance and lifestyle somewhat, but he still is detached from commercialism and materialism, while his passion seems to continue to energize him. Jimmy continues to encourage the artist, as well as his young son Alex. Future showings may present themselves, but that will not limit the artist as he bows to the passion that has consumed him.
Shelter Island was a very interesting presentation of the rise of an "outsider" artist that lives to paint and to appreciate the visual and emotional nature that surrounds him. Perhaps, one day, we, as human beings, will be able to tap into the meaning of Olson's symbolic images, or maybe his symbols will have a different meaning for each and every one of us.
The documentary Shelter Island was interesting. Everyone will have their own opinion of the artist's talent. However, the one thing I feel is that Olson has a driving force that he must express, and his creativity will put him in the realm of great artists by the sheer proliferation of paintings he will produce in his lifetime. It would be nice just to harness a little of that energetic force. Shelter Island is an uplifting account of how art, compassion, friendship and human connection can unlock great potential in hidden places.
