#sparkchamber 051418 — Reven Marie Swanson

Today in the #sparkchamber, a sculptor and installation artist who takes her cues from nature. Reven Marie Swanson is a native Coloradoan — mountain biker, tele-skier, equestrian — whose rural childhood experience ran closely with the rhythms of the natural world. Her sculptures explore the relationship of modern life alongside Mother Nature by incorporating organic forms using modern materials and steel-working techniques. You can see her work on her blog, and hear her speak about a couple of works here and here.

1.] Where do ideas come from?

Observations. Observing Mother Nature, human nature, and science.

2.] What is the itch you are scratching?

I don’t know. I wish it would leave me in peace sometimes. Sometimes it feels like leaving pieces of sunshine everywhere you go.

3.] Early bird or night owl, tortoise or hare? 

The creative itch has no boundaries when it starts demanding attention.
I have learned to adapt my schedule to keep it flowing.

4.] How do you know when you are done?

I stop working on a sculpture when I’ve hit an installation deadline. Some sculptures come back to the studio and I continue to work on them again. They are more like children that mature over time.