Sandi Ray Pierce

This July at Stranger Factory: Kathie Olivas, Kristina Drake, and Sandi Ray Pierce

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This JULY at Stranger Factory
“ELIXIR” 
Kathie Olivas

“CONSUMED” 
Kristina Drake

“MADE IN THE SHADE” 
Sandi Ray Pierce 

July 5th – July 28th, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, July 5th from 6-8 PM


Stranger Factory is proud to present ELIXIR, a solo show by artist, Kathie Olivas!

“Elixir” features a series of mixed media paintings and art toys that explore the sensation of propaganda and “snake oil” in a post truth world. Snake handlers, faith healers, and self- serving magical “cure-all” peddlers exploit their toxic, child-like sweetness through their seemingly innocent blank stares and buyer beware expressions. They want to sell you their too good to be true elixirs that will purify your demons and cure all of your ills.

Kathie Olivas is an internationally exhibited multi-media artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her work explores society’s insatiable desire to assign “cuteness” as a measure for innocence and acceptance; to sooth our innability to accept our discomfort with the unknown. A dark blend of early American portraiture set in post apocalyptic times, Kathie’s mixed media paintings and hand made “toys” are a satirical look at how fear affects our sense of reality. Her characters are meant to evoke a nostalgic reaction that reflects isolation, fear, and an uncertainty, yet they also act as empowered alter egos. Her abstracted cartoon style, reminiscent of vintage story book illustrations and iconic advertising mascots, is meant to disarm our fear of the “other.” While these characters explore their new lonely worlds, they double as our narrators. They guide us through their reality as they experience it and yet, even in their company, we are granted no reassurance.

Kathie Olivas received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1999. She began exhibiting her work in the mid 90s and is often associated with the Lowbrow/ Pop Surrealist movement and Sentimentalism.

Stranger Factory is happy to present Kristina Drake in her first feature show at our gallery, CONSUMED.

Kristina Drake strives to convey her appreciation for nature through her sculptures. Believing that nature is the closest reflection we have to ourselves, Drake uses delicate themes to convey the passage of time, our own fragility, and temporary essence. Her efforts create beautiful works that drive attention to environmental conservation and help one feel connected to the world around us.

Stranger Factory is happy to present Sandi Ray Pierce in her second feature show, MADE IN THE SHADE.

Join us in the shade for local artist Sandi Ray Pierce’s second feature show at Stranger Factory. Exhibiting a collection of new works mixing her signature style with a new twist, the southwest-loving artist takes us on a visual journey inspired by vintage signs and New Mexican sunsets. Here you can find typographic visuals and skull shaped wood cuts of varying colorways that is sure to make you nostalgic for summers past!

See you there
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5th from 6-8 PM

Sandi Ray Pierce, FOREVER, NEVERMORE / Otto Bjornik, FLORA & FAUNA / Jellykoe, I’M YOUR WEIRD FRIEND will run from May 4th – 27th, 2018

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Sandi Ray Pierce, FOREVER, NEVERMORE / Otto Bjornik, FLORA & FAUNA / Jellykoe, I’M YOUR WEIRD FRIEND will run from
May 4th – 27th, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, May 4th from 6-9 PM
In her first solo exhibition at Stranger Factory, local artist Sandi Ray Pierce will be featuring a series of her iconic pen and ink and mixed media works on paper. As a self taught artist, she is heavily inspired by the local lowbrow culture of tattoo graphics, Dia De Los Muertos, and the rich typography and visuals of historic Route 66. Pierce contrasts themes of death and rebirth with the fleeting beauty of youth. She incorporates vintage floral art nouveau and graphics reminiscent of old rock and roll gig posters. Her love of the southwest and attention to detail in her meticulous cross hatching and stippling creates a nostalgic interpretation of life and death in the land of enchantment.
Artist and toy designer Otto Bjornik will be exhibiting a new series of hand-made toys and graphite drawings. His clean, minimalist style celebrates the curiosity of youth with a rich narrative that integrates his love of design and human connection through its many cultures and the unifying emotional states we all share.

“The Pen is Mightier than the Sword”
I am more than an illustrator. I am a storyteller. My tales are a rich mixture of precious childhood memories and fairy tales. I weave together lines to celebrate the beauty and elegance of nature and human form. And sprinkled within that tapestry are touches of whimsy that bring to mind the wonderment of childhood and play. It is my way of rekindling youth with a wink and infinite mirth.
An architect by training, I create works in pen and ink that are filled with intricate detail and influenced by stringent rules of design. The elements I choose often hold symbolic meaning, and I take care to piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle to tell an overall story.”
Artist couple Jellykoe will be exhibiting new mixed media works sure to be a nutritious blend of cute and creepy. The pair is known for wide eyed, blank stared children and creatures alike often in the forms of plush or 3-d cutouts. Their work is humorous, often drawn or encapsulated in a somewhat dark, kawaii style that makes you want to relive or perhaps re-evaluate your childhood.

Jellykoe is a designer toy company located in the heart of Columbia, SC. It was founded in 2009 by husband and wife duo Kelly and J. Spencer Shull. Spencer acts as lead product designer and illustrator for Jellykoe while Kelly is in charge of production, design, and marketing.

All three exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Stranger Factory
3411 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049