Mark Odland, Minnesota
Member Since August 2009
Artist Statement ARTIST BIO
Mark Odland graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and religion. Here he studied drawing, painting, and printmaking under nationally renowned artist Carl Grupp. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN, and his Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in Eagan, MN. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Mark has worked as a camp counselor, hospital chaplain, and pastor, and currently serves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
An award-winning artist, Mark feels privileged to have his work displayed in various collections around the world. His knowledge and experience in matters of religion, psychology, and the power of human emotion have deeply influenced his artistic creations. In his work, he strives to translate Biblical themes into imagery that is recognizable, yet still challenging. In both subtle and direct ways he hopes to convey the complexity and messiness of the Biblical narrative, yet retain the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel; a message of radical love and salvation for a lost and hurting world.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My life is a canvas for all to see. If you step close, the blotches, the cuts, and the mistakes of my life become very visible. You might wonder, “Why is an unfinished work like this displayed as if it were a masterpiece?” However, if you take a step back, you will be amazed to see how The Artist has covered over the mistakes of my past with an amazing sensitivity. The beautiful crimson paint seems to glow with warmth, with energy, and with love. The Artist, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ. When we stumble, when we fall, when we least deserve His love, He never leaves our side. He picks us up with His nail-scarred hands and forgives us, giving us a fresh coat of paint. I am a masterpiece, not because I am perfect, but because I am loved. I am in the Artist’s hands, and there is no better place to be. Amen.”
AWARDS
2005 Burning Brush/Cornerstone Festival (Award – Best in Printmaking), Bushnell, IL
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008 Visual Faith – The Significance of Jesus Christ
Living Waters Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN
2004 The Collapse of Time Art and Poetry Exhibition
Como Park Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, MN
2004 The Collapse of Time Art and Poetry Exhibition
Peace Lutheran Church, Lauderdale, MN
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2011 Expressions of Hope Art Show
Vine Arts Center, Minneapolis, MN
2011 Religious Fine Art Gallery Exhibition
Round Rock Public Library, Round Rock, TX
2006 Christian Art Exhibition
Black Forest Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO
2005 Burning Brush/Cornerstone Festival
Creative Spark Gallery, Bushnell, IL
2005 Cross View 23rd Annual Christian Art Festival
Cross View Lutheran Church, Edina, MN
2004 Luther Seminary Community Art Show
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
2002 Augustana Senior Art Show
Eide/Dalrymple Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD
2001 Augustana Student Art Show
Eide/Dalrymple Gallery, Sioux Falls, SD
GALLERIES AND COLLECTIONS
Japan Lutheran Church, Meeting Room Gallery – Churchwide Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, Permanent Collection
Hong Kong, China
Lutheran Church of Australia – National Office, Permanent Collection
North Adelaide, Australia
Bangsar Lutheran Church (The Father’s House), Permanent Collection
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Augustana College Center for Visual Arts, Eide/Dalrymple Gallery
Sioux Falls, SD
Muhlenberg College, Martin art Gallery – Baker Center for the Arts
Allentown, PA
Waldorf College, Permanent Collection
Forest City, IA
South Dakota Synod Office – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Permanent Collection
Sioux Falls, SD
Catholic Diocese of Austin – Religious Art Gallery
Austin, TX