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Native to Illinois, Oaklee Thiele utilizes her platform in the arts to serve as a positive advocate for individuals with disabilities, addressing concerns about accessibility and inclusivity
through written and painted works. In 2018, Oaklee was paired with a service dog, Coco, resulting in a new body of work that now discusses recovery and the intimate bond that has formed between them. Largely influenced by her Colombian heritage, Oaklee references symbols, patterns, and the architecture present in the Tunja Mountains. INTERVIEW At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to become an artist? Did the realization emerge slowly? In 2012 I began to express a serious interest in the arts. Not knowing how to make an arts career a reality, I started studying under several local and established artists before pursuing a more formal education at Interlochen Arts Academy at the age of 15. I never thought of myself as an artist, I simply knew that art was something I must do. If I did not spend multiple hours a day in the studio, I’d feel incomplete. My passion for the arts emerged quite suddenly but has remained incredibly persistent. How did you evolve your style and favorite mediums? Perhaps what influences my style most is my time spent in South America, the birthplace of my grandfather. It was there that I studied jewelry worn by the ancient tribes and was exposed to the art of weaving as well as Botero’s famous paintings. I enjoy creating handwoven works, ceramic sculptures, and large-scale acrylic paintings. What are your time management techniques? Do you have regular working hours...or favorite times to work? I work whenever possible though I prefer the early mornings or late nights. Usually, I work part-time as a teacher or in a museum to help support my career in the arts. As a result, my time in the studio is typically scheduled around my day job. Do you work on more than one piece at a time, or primarily just on one? I work on a single piece at a time. My works are created in a variety of mediums from acrylic and pastel to ceramics and weaving with dimensions ranging from 5” x 7” up to twelve feet tall. Despite the large difference in size, each piece only takes me about one to three days to complete. What would you say is your biggest influence -- that which keeps you working, regardless of all else, your most steadfast motivation? In 2018 I was paired with a service dog, Coco, after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My work centers around recovery and the intimate bond that has formed between us. Having Coco not only helped me adjust to life after trauma, but also exposed me to the continuous support present in the service dog community. Looking to give back, I began utilizing my work to raise awareness while simultaneously using my connections in the art world to create opportunities for artists with disabilities. My focus is now on serving the community through art and advocacy; this has been my most steadfast motivation. Does trying something new and not knowing the rules -- the boundary pushing -- create anxiety or excitement in you? (Or both?) I enjoy trying something new despite not always knowing the rules. I approach all of my pieces with the knowledge that if they don’t work out, I don't have to display them. Do you have any projects or events forthcoming? Most recently, I began the process of establishing a nonprofit arts organization that will provide exhibition opportunities, education, and career development to artists with disabilities. I am fortunate to have a very passionate team of artists, curators, business managers, and financial advisers to help make this a reality. Oaklee Thiele Website: www.oakleethiele.com Email: [email protected] |
If All We Had Was Each Other
pastel and pencil on paper, 19” x 25”, 2018 
Coco, a Friend, and Me
pastel and pencil on paper, 16” x 16”, 2019 
The Day We Met (Diptych),
acrylic on paper, each panel 8” x 10”, 2019 
You Help Me Be (Triptych)
acrylic on paper, each panel 8” x 10” |