After school, and six months of dedicated practice, Olsen made the bold decision to open his own pottery business, Common Ground. In the early days, Olsen spent all of his time making pieces and traveling around the country to sell his works at Juried Fine Art Shows. These shows served a dual purpose - Olson could both further the success of his business, and meet with accomplished potters to further his skill at pottery making. It was at one of these shows where Olsen met some collectors who were part of a community of antique art lovers. Olsen was quickly pulled into this world, and his works during this period reflect that interest.
Though Olsen is a modern artist, his work shares similarities with pieces from the Arts and Crafts boom in the early years of art pottery. Olsen employs simple, full-bodied glazes, and often incises nature-themed designs into his work. Pieces will either be finished at this stage or be further glazed and styled until they bear multiple layers and hues of glaze. Olsen marks his works with a year and an engraved “EO” for Eric Olson.
Olsen is also an accomplished teacher and instructs as well as he learns. His enthusiasm in the classroom is unmatched, and he loves when students have that “Aha!” moment when certain skills and techniques begin to stick. Olsen has taught in multiple states and countries but now teaches courses at the Armory Art Center in Florida.