Yvette Swan - Unfinished Journey
Aug 10 - Sept 04
1. Why New York?
It's been a dream of mine since I was
younger to one day exhibit in NY. This is a goal on my life list of
goals and so in 2003 I decided to finally visit NY for the first time.
I've always wanted to travel there. As with many creative people, NY
is a place that resonates with something inside of me.
It is a creative centre where many want to flock there and experience
even more that their chosen fields have to offer. I have the same desires,
to experience creativity on a world-wide stage. To learn; to work with
others; and expand my horizons.
2. What was the experience like for you as a person and artist
I love traveling to different parts of the world, to see other people, cultures; to see different architectural places; and a different sense of feeling in each place. I love large cities - the movement, the sights, the people. Visually New York is an amazing place. Standing on top of The Empire State Building and viewing the enormity of the place was quite incredible. I love design and structure and NY definitely offers that.
My heart is always excited
when I see an art gallery and there are many of them around in NY. I
just love creativity and all the buildings and galleries that house
it.
As a person and as an artist,
I would like to live life in a way where I'm continually gaining greater
awareness, understanding and creating more care for others. It is a
journey. While I love exploring different surroundings, including New
York, I am still very much aware of the reality that exists.
New York is a wonderfully creative place but like the rest of the world,
there are areas in life there that can change more for the greater good.
I would love for people all over the world to work together and create
more closeness and care with each other. This change in consciousness
would create even more global awareness and change. I find it exciting
to feel into the prospect of the people of New York and the entire planet
working together to create more closeness. I would love to be contributing
to that.
3. How did the experience affect your painting...
Once I returned from NY in 2003 I then set to work on 2 solo exhibitions. I noticed that my paintings became even more textural, colourful and energetic - very much an influence of my travels. I feel this vibrancy, as well as the balance of that with calmer colours and softer textures, will be a continual journey back and forth. It is great to have a loud rush of creativity and then a period of slightly quieter, more internal style of artwork. And then back again for another rush.
I feel that there is a balance
delivered with my paintings for the UNFINISHED JOURNEY, bold and vibrant
as well as slightly more subtle works.
Reds, whites and blues feature.
4. Any amazing experiences...
I love art. I feel at home
in an art gallery, it truly is a pleasure for me.
When I first set eyes on the Guggenheim Museum building, my heart was
lifted so high. It took my breath away. I love it, the design, the creativity
of all who was involved with it's creation. AND I love the artwork within
it.
I also saw an exhibition of one of my all time favourite artists - Cy Twombly. I was in heaven and so thankful that my trip to New York coincided with that exhibition.
Yvette Swan, Sydney, 2005 - interviewed by John Cooke @ King PR
