Happy summer! This is possibly my favorite time of year when I can settle down from the hustle and reflect. I’ve been toying around with an idea for a new painting and this is what’s developed so far. I’m hoping to start in the next day or so.
I’m pleased to present the completion of my third painting of the year! Continue reading
“Disco’s Last Spell”, 18”x22”, oil painting on canvas board, is finished! Continue reading
Summer break is well underway and I went back to work on a painting I last touched in late March. I started listening to KD Lang’s 1995 album, then switched to Hawkwind’s album from 1996. Sometimes I have a queue … Continue reading
Teaching art is privilege, but the work put in at school can rob you of time and energy that could be used in the studio, especially when you teach K-8. I’ve tried to use my lesson planning as an outlet … Continue reading
Completed! “Genesis: Pagan-X”, oil painting on Bristol board, 20”x24”. Inspired by, in no particular order, “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch, Blue Devil, the Friday the 13th franchise, Ghost Rider, Etrigan the Demon, Lady Death, and the X-Men. I … Continue reading
I’ve just signed on to teach teen and adult Saturday classes for the winter term at the Menino Arts Center, starting in January (more info soon). I’ll also be teaching weekday afternoons and evenings for Culture for Change in downtown Boston, as well as at the Brookline Arts Center. I can’t express how grateful I am for these opportunities to continue teaching. When I decided to step away from public school, I was a little nervous. I felt like a recording artist without a major label. But in hindsight it’s exactly what I needed creatively. I’ve given myself a year to devote the proper amount of time needed in the studio, as well as teaching part-time on the side. Come next fall, my plans may change, but I’m focusing on what I have set before me and giving it my all. Thank you to all the friends, families, and fellow artists who have showered me with support. I love you all, truly.
“If you aren’t surrounded by creative people, it’s easy to fall into really boring repetitive pockets of energy and blandness.” – Nomi Ruiz, singer, songwriter, & performer
I’m very proud to announce I’ve been selected as a teaching artist for the Boston Foundation’s Culture for Change program! I’m looking forward to working with teens and young adults of Chinatown and South Boston at the Boston Asian: Youth Essential Services center to create art that speaks out against racism.
I’m on a new mission to complete at least one ten minute sketch per day. After the time limit has been reached, I have to stop and leave written comments on what needs work and what was done well. I’m hoping this will strengthen my work as an artist and make me more aware of my weaknesses. In addition to creating a tumblr page that I use to find and post references for my work, I’ve added a works-in-progress page where I plan on creating an online diary with images of my progress.
Click on the image below to see how things are developing.
SWart Studio 