K. Neil Swanson: Staff Pick of the Week

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K. Neil Swanson, "Bow Lake Moon," nd

acrylic, 12" x 24"

An artist with a quirky brush, and an eye for the surreal, K. Neil Swanson seeks the sublime within the obvious. Neil’s embrace of colour celebrates the grace and sanctity of the landscapes, and the life forces within. Dark shadows fall beside the brilliance of a mountainside in winter, predator and prey change place and shape. Night and day often co-exist in the same painting, the space between them almost imperceptible. Constantly evolving, Neil expresses himself by exploring our relationship with nature, and in essence, ourselves.

When asked to explain his art, it is a surprise to find out many works start as stories. Neil often sees an image when out and about on the water, or on a hike, and a story grows from there. His work begins on a black background, rather than white. The reason is that the subjects are partially reborn from the memories of growing up near the forest.

Neil says, "I battle the black, and sometimes I don't win, the black does. Things can get lost in it, but I love the depth of the colours layered on. I pretty much go over every painting three times. The first layer puts down the foundation, the next for getting the coverage, and depth of colour, the last to highlight. It's a process that takes some time."

Symbolism is another factor in his painting, present, future. "Where we have been, shows us where the world is headed. I see a shadow world representing the hidden elements of the natural world, a world that seems forgotten by the human race, but a world all wild creatures instinctively regard. The moon in the trees, for example, is there to unite the earth and sky. The red earth is the energy of the universe pouring down on us, a warm blanket of power beneath our feet. It cleans the slate, whenever I head out on the water, or hike in the forest, it just gives me a new perspective on everything. Slowing down to listen to the stories I hear there, and relating that on canvas is the next step in my own creative process."