Reflections on Omson Schroeder, February 14 2024, by Jim O’Halloran

Feb 23, 2024 | 7 comments

Today marks a year since my Subud brother and dear friend Omson moved on.

Omson was an inquisitive, interesting individualist, interested in the world and all its ramifications.

I first met Omson not long after I was opened in Seattle in 1994, and last saw Omson in person April 2022 at his home in Oregonia, Ohio. Lots has happened in between!

We had many discussions about pottery, art, music, landscaping, Subud, and the latihan. The really great thing about Omson was he was always trying things and pushing his boundaries.

Omson loved to garden and frequently helped care for the garden at the Subud house in Seattle during his many years here.

Below are a few examples of Omson’s work, beginning with a collaboration between Omson and Anna Schroeder, his dear wife and Subud member.

Gallery Window of Subud International Congress in Spokane WA 1997 by Omson and Anna Schroeder

Gallery Window of Subud International Congress in Spokane WA 1997 by Omson and Anna Schroeder

This is the gallery window of the joint show Omson and Anna mounted for the Subud international congress in Spokane Washington in 1997. It consisted of artichokes suspended by fishing line and lacquered narrow doors.

On their trip back from Spokane after securing the gallery agreement, Omson proposed to Anna. She accepted!

Omson firing his kiln in Ohio

Omson firing his kiln in Ohio

Masonite, oil paint, dried leaves 19” W X 65” H

Masonite, oil paint, dried leaves 19” W X 65” H, by Omson Schroeder

Below are some of Omson’s pots which we have in our home and enjoy with gratitude every day.

Vase 3 3/4”H by Omson Schroeder

Vase 3 3/4”H by Omson Schroeder

Vase 4 1/2"H by Omson Schroeder

Vase 4 1/2″H by Omson Schroeder

Blue Vase 7 1/2" H by Omson Schroeder

Blue Vase 7 1/2″ H by Omson Schroeder

I will always be grateful for knowing Omson. His legacy lives on through his wife for 24 years Anna. She continues to create art daily in Oregonia, Ohio. Their two lovely and talented daughters (one second generation Subud) attest to this family legacy.

Peace and blessings.  Jim O’Halloran

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7 Comments

  1. Beautiful work. I wish I had known them . Maybe I will meet Anna in the future. Thank you Jim.

    Reply
  2. Thanks, Jim,
    Your article helps me to know Omson a bit better.

    Reply
  3. So interesting Jim ~ a peek into Omson’s life and legacy ~ sometimes a Subud Brother or Sisters talents are revealed after their passing ~
    What a wonderful imagination Omson had!

    Reply
  4. That was great. I had no idea how talented he was. He and Anna formed a great team. Amazing and wonderful.

    Reply
  5. Though I never met Omson-His work brought the following-Beauty-Strength-Creativity-Joy.

    I delighted in your shared story and shed some tears on his passing.

    Reply
  6. God be with him.
    Lovely to witness the bond of friendship herein.

    Reply

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