We were lucky to catch up with Adam Swanson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Over the past couple of years I’ve been able to paint about inspiring ecological science going on in the Lake Superior watershed, where I live.

I recently completed a series of 15 paintings about the federally and state listed endangered animals of Minnesota. These pieces were informed by researchers from around my state and region. I interviewed experts, read research papers, and volunteered during field science opportunities in my area to gather photos and experiences to create relevant, rich paintings. This collection of paintings and resulting images has a permanent home online with American Foundation for the Blind approved audio descriptions for the visually impaired.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I graduated with a BFA in 2001 and immediately left to work in Antarctica for the National Science Foundation where I developed my knowledge of important climate related experiments. In 2009 I returned to the Lake Superior watershed in Northern Minnesota where I set up a studio and began to paint everyday. Currently, I’m a member of the Twin Ports Art Science Collaborative and my work has been influenced by researchers from Lake Superior and the SPRUCE climate change project in the Chippewa National Forest. Now, more than ever, the implications of human actions in an ever-changing landscape are on the tip of everyone’s tongue. My recent paintings attempt to give fresh voice to scientific data and, most importantly, inspire audiences to learn what can be done to change course.

I’ve studied many of the modernist artists, especially the urban and bucolic landscapes by the Barbizon School painters and Jean-François Millet’s heroic peasant farmers. I’m also inspired by contemporary painters such as Alexis Rockman and Chris Austin whose imagery expands the conversation about important ecological issues. I’ve always had a strong interest in photography and film so the compositions of my large and medium-sized paintings are based on photographs. My studio is filled with my snapshots of landscapes, machinery, and animals. I select, recompose, and paint the most interesting details so that my paintings may be comprised of more than a dozen study images.

I live on a small dairy goat farm in the woods of Northern Minnesota. I have a wife, two children and a wide variety of animals. My studio is a small building near my house. I don’t wait for the muse to strike, I keep regular studio hours M-F 8am-5pm, with the occasional exception to paint at live events or take a field trip.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I have discovered many regional arts councils across our country and they are invaluable resources to my personal creative endeavors. I have found many grant opportunities and help with the business side of art creation to support my life as a painter. I don’t enjoy writing grants and applying for opportunities, but taking the time to put my hopes and dreams into words has been a valuable way to fund self directed projects and has made me think hard about what it is I want to do with my work. As a younger artist I thought the only way I could make a living as an artist would be to make commissioned work and sell through galleries which can be a difficult and limited way to pay for rent. After working at this for many years, I discovered our regional arts council and have been able to create some of my most meaningful paintings and public art projects with their help.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a full time artist is the opportunity to make something that will outlive me. I love the act of creating paintings, whether they are eye candy or thought provoking concept pieces. Painting is the best way I am able to make my voice heard and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to create works of art which will touch lives, long after I am gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adamswanson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamswansong/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/art.of.adam.swanson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/adampswanson