C.J. Swanson
Bio + Artist Statement
Bio
C. J. was born in Tacoma WA, and lives in Seattle. She has been painting for many years. Her beginning was when she was a child drawing her depictions of relatives. She cultivated her art knowledge by studying at various art schools supplemented with learning and practicing on her own. She has been influenced by many other artists from the decades of modern art both European and American. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and other commercial spaces for the past 19 years. She paints in a Studio in the SODO district in Seattle Washington.
Statement
The main thing that interests me in painting is the use of space. During the process of painting, I ask myself questions; How do the sections interact to each other? How do they transition from one to the next? Then I was able to take a basic form or shape and dismantle it. A new formation was created from a circle combined with a square. I am also interested in the give and take of positive and negative space. I want to go against the expectations of the viewer. This work is about the mist and clouds. They represent abstract weather. Warmth and Moisture in captured forms with no end or beginning. The lines of perception are endless. Within are boundaries and pathways toward a new idea and onto the free feelings one attains with newness. The soft lines and round shapes are floating freely in the transparent solidness of the acrylic colors. I am concerned with the color palette and the infinite choices and combinations. Maintaining and sustaining engaged energy by using colors that challenge and stimulate the eye may create a lasting impression in the viewers mind. While I cannot give credit to any one influence, I realize that I am inspired by the beauty I find in all of the applied arts. Of course one can not deny nature as a profound influence on all of the arts. I especially gravitate toward the organic winding, moving vine and leaf forms. In my work there is a confluence of both man made and organic shapes meeting on the peaceful plane of the flat surface.