Alan Olson creates vibrant, kinetic sculptures that explore the relationship between color, form, and motion. His work invites viewers to engage directly—many pieces feature push-button controls that allow people to activate and interact with the artwork. As the sculptures move, their elements shift and reconfigure, creating a dynamic experience that changes moment to moment.

Influenced by his favorite childhood toys—watercolors, Lionel trains, Crayolas, and Erector sets—Olson brings a sense of playful curiosity and mechanical wonder to his art. He begins with simple sketches to work out proportions and movement, drawing inspiration from Art Deco, Egyptian motifs, and both geometric and organic forms.

Constructed from a mix of wood, styrene, and low-voltage gearhead motors, each piece is finished with a careful layering of acrylic paint, metal leaf, beadwork, brass trim, and creative lighting—ranging from incandescent to neon. Movements vary from gentle rotations to complex rocking and timed sequences, all designed to delight, surprise, and spark imagination.