Paint with Purpose: Morgan Oldenburg of SPILL

She’s fresh faced and twenty-six. Sitting behind her desk in the spacious confines of her gallery (SPILL) in Suite LL14 of the newly-refurbished Marshall Building, her attitude is upbeat and well, colorful. It’s safe to say color is her cue; abstraction her muse.

A graduate of the Studio Art program at Boston’s Tufts University, Morgan Oldenburg is a Milwaukeean setting off on an art adventure.

Along with SPILL’s info is a brief reminder to “Paint with Purpose.” Help me out here. What do you mean?

As I was choosing a name for my gallery, SPILL seemed perfect: fitting, short, fun and easy to remember. Then, with more thought, I realized the word suggested an accident. Though some skeptics may see abstract art, or more specifically, brushstrokes or paint splatters to be merely random, there is much thought behind what I do. Focusing on color hues and intensities, planning out lines and shapes and spaces and turning those elements into harmony and unity and movement within a piece — the finished product is no accident!

“Paint with Purpose” fits my main goal, i.e., the customization of works for clients, each work with it’s own space and style… a purpose, if you will. Also, who doesn’t like alliteration?

Every item in SPILL reflects your particular style, but when clients arrive they are encouraged to select the colors, size of canvas, etc. In the back of your gallery is a generous space set aside as your studio. Have you ever considered letting the client actually create their own painting?

I haven’t given it much thought, actually. I did get a similar inquiry, but it turned out to be a commissioned piece. I would be open to the idea, however.

Okay, say you’re in your studio working on a client’s order. Mid-stream, they want the colors changed. How do you handle that?

I wouldn’t limit the number of color “changes,” but I would hope it wouldn’t be unreasonable! A change in colors is perfectly understandable, and after all, customized art is about the client and what they want.

Your bio sheet says you appreciate the lack of boundaries set by abstract art. But it’s my belief that the best of abstraction has an underlying concept, otherwise the bonobos at the Milwaukee County Zoo (they produce paintings for bonobo conservation), would be on a par with Jackson Pollock or an artist who signs their work “Morgan.” That would be you.

Abstract art doesn’t have to be of anyone or anywhere or anything. It can be what the viewer wants, or it can be just…art. There is no category of subject matter or limitation in media, but of course it has a concept because a piece has to start somewhere. I’m inspired by all sorts of images and ideas, but to me, abstraction is less about what I see and more about creating so others can see what they want.

So what then, is the difference between an animal, say a bonobo, making art, and myself? Purpose. And passion.

You are also a sales gallery? Here’s your chance to spread the word Morgan.

I am open every day except Sunday, and SPILL does display my pieces for direct sale. The foot traffic here on the lower level is limited, but hundreds of people come on Gallery Night & Day.

Tonight (Friday 6-9) and tomorrow (11-4) is the Marshall Arts Holiday Show. Before you go, visit spilldesign.net or call 414. 270.2808