April 2024 Transylvania County Handcrafters Guild Spring Show, Masonic Lodge, Downtown Brevard, NC
Artist Statement
Debra Swantek
My intention is to evoke a sense of whimsy and joy through art. I am a painter, photographer, nature-lover and wanderer. Much of what I paint is inspired by soaking up the beauty of dramatic skies and sunsets, observing wildlife, and immersing myself in the outdoors.
Photography has influenced much of my work, honing my focus on specific subject matter caught in a decisive moment. Years of looking through the lens at a defined composition, and closely observing light, texture, and depth have directly influenced my painting style.
After opening a gallery and managing artists in a small historic town, I discovered folk and primitive art. Many of the artists I represented were local, several practicing skills passed down in the surrounding rural communities for generations. I found inspiration in the diversity of work by artists I represented and their passion for their unique styles.
While managing the gallery, I began painting whimsical subjects on tin and repurposed wood, spending years during and since, experimenting with subject matter and technique to develop a distinct style. I prefer the rougher surface of wood and incorporate its raw texture into the character of my paintings.
lockdown lemonade
The Covid lockdowns provided the time needed to commit to producing a portfolio of my own art. Dedication to a personal style and narrative led to quickly completing a body of cohesive work, inspiring new concepts and a disciplined approach to collections based on themes.
My new body of work is derived from a love of nature and animals. I have refined and simplified my designs to incorporate background environments that are home to the whimsical creatures in a bright color palette. Mastery of texture and movement bring these paintings to life and illustrate the personality of the subjects I create.
Decorative elements such as ornamental borders, repeating patterns, iconic flowers, the sun or moon in every painting - all contribute to a signature style and further encompass the narrative nature of this body of work.
new state, new chapter
For many years I traveled to Western North Carolina to visit artist studios and galleries and to soak in the beauty of the mountains. In 2022 I relocated from north Georgia to the active art community of Brevard, North Carolina. I’ve since participated in two juried art shows with The Transylvania Arts Council and my work is currently represented by Blue Moon Gallery and Frame. I look forward to meeting more artists, immersing myself in the community, and creating.
I recently started creating my whimsical creatures in 3D with air dry clay and will continue to explore this medium. These new pieces correspond to the paintings' bright colors, and depiction of animals in a whimsical style.