REVEN SWANSON – DENVER, CO
“Rogan”
Steel, enamel, powder coat
120” X 90” X 40”
$9,000
As a creative exploration, I was motivated to build this sculpture in an observance of the many horses and horse-persons I have come to know and love. “Rogan” was a special horse in my career as a rider. The sculpture expresses appreciation and memory of his bascule shape, energy, power and most importantly, his honesty. The recycled steel materials are reshaped to highlight the naturally aging textures and blemishes. This sculpture was first created for the Center of Wonder in Jackson, WY. He was mounted near the entrance to town in a former sign frame for a gas station. He was suspended in the frame to appear to be jumping through the hoop. It created quite a curious statement for tourists driving into town.
Matriarchal Mooncreature II
Inquire about this piece
Reaching across the sky, this flying creature balances the heavens. Part of the building “Moon Creature Series,” the sculpture is a celebration of natural harmony, and is made of modern-day materials and methods. The artwork is about change, balance and growth for a contemporary woman. She rotates on the wind.
Desert Trumpet
“Desert Trumpet” is an observation of a unique plant species I encountered while camping in the desert near Green River, UT. The plant takes many forms from sprout to hardened maturity. It endures the harshest of temperature swings, relentless wind, and drought. So many comparisons may be drawn for a life lived as a sculptor: My wrinkled face, gray, scraggly hair, and long-term experience navigating the art world, materials and economies seems like a similar life experience. The sculpture is highly durable, fashioned from mild steel, cast glass, powder coat and enamel. The glass component allows natural light to pass through to view the hollow interior forms, which are whimsical and awkward. It suggests a dance of organic form, and pulls the viewer’s eye skyward.
Meet the Artist
Reven Marie Swanson is a native Coloradan who became a professional sculptor following her graduation from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1988. As a stone carver, she lived and carved in Italy. In 1993, she became an apprentice to the monumental sculptor, Robert Mangold, assisting with sculptures for the Chicago Pier Walk and The White House. Her highlighted commissions are on display throughout the Rocky Mountain region and the West. She has been tapped for many temporary outdoor installations leased by city municipalities. Working closely with city officials and installation crews, Reven successfully exhibits a dozen works each year. Of her many successful commissions, sculptures have been completed for the Trust for Public Lands, the National Endowment for the Arts, 40West Arts District and the Museum of Outdoor Arts.
Website: RevenSwanson.com
Previous Entries
Delilah
In the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, Delilah cut Samson’s hair and took his infamous strength that moved entire buildings. This story is an archetypal one that relates to how women must negotiate the male ego, even today. If this sculpture could sing aloud, you’d hear a “tee-hee-hee” as she swings around in her little dance. “Delilah” is constructed of steel and finished in a durable powder-coated RED. She has won ‘Best of Show” in two exhibits, and an image of her was printed in SouthWest Arts Magazine. Her first appearance was in Santa Fe’s Shidoni Gallery in New Mexico.
Good Morning Sunshine
Reaching across the sky, this flying creature balances the heavens. The sculpture dances, celebrating a natural harmony with the wind. The artwork is about change, balance and growth. She speaks for the universal woman, describing the relationship between the instinctual self, alongside the contemporary, modern-day self. The work is mounted above ground to imply flight, and the figure moves freely with the ever-changing wind.
