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

12 Matelasse by Reven Swanson 2025 — Matelasse by Reven Swanson

$12,000 – 4′ x 8′ x 4′ – Mild steel, powder coat, enamel

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Inspired by an age-old sewing technique to create a skirt waistband, the metal roll is off-set and sewn (welded) and trimmed in a circular pattern as would the fabric pattern.

Using a large roll at a local boiler-maker fabrication shop, the metal is rolled and welded, just as I did as a youngster putting together my first “wrap-around” skirt. The giant metal strip is then pulled by chains and wedges into a continuous strip. The result is a steel construction that bounces, sways and engages viewers.

As a contemporary sculptor, I have studied and practiced traditional needle arts including sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet and tatting. I deeply believe that to understand our modern culture you must first understand the traditions of the past.

It’s a cultural experience – mixing traditional craft and modern expectations. It’s part of the artistic bent to show the evolution of tradition craft in a new contemporary light.

Previous Entries

Rogan – 2024

$9,000 – 120” X 90” X 40” – Steel, enamel, powder coat

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 – 2023

Matriarchal Mooncreature II by Reven Swanson

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.

Matriarchal Mooncreature II + Desert Trumpet by Reven Swanson – 2023 sculpture interview

Desert Trumpet – 2022

“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.

Delilah – 2022

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 – 2021

Good Morning Sunshine by Reven Marie Swanson

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.

Dancing Moon Rollers - 2019

Reven Swanson
$18,000
4'x4'x2.5'
This work represents the continuation of my "Dancing Moons" series, that explores simple shapes to create kinetic and visual energy. The work suggests balance, harmony and growth. The combination of multiple forms and color creates vibrant energy. They provide a visual image of implied rolling movement, while containing kinetic bouncing and light flexing from wind or touch.
Helix Moon

2018
The steel in "Helix Moon" was fabricated using an ancient sewing technique. First off-setting the V,-inch steel plate with an industrial roller, the seams are welded together and then cut. The sculpture's presence actually assumes the space beyond the physical structure: It becomes a sculpture outside of itself, with its colors creating an optical illusion of a bright illumination from its center.