Meet Reven Marie Swanson

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

Hi Reven Marie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The activity to be creative and find meaning in that creative act involves a choice. A choice to dedicate time, money and effort to a purpose. The art I create must always answer to the eternal “WHY”. Not all the artwork is successful. Not all the time spent is effective and productive. I look at the decision to create something with purpose is a journey of a lifetime. It’s an exploration to understand culture, community and diversity. I am sensitive to understanding materials and how to convey a message, thought or stewardship. The world is full of meaning and purpose. It’s a choice to develop a purpose in your artwork.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Throughout my career as sculptor, I have never stayed in one place. I am fascinated by materials and their intricacies. Materials of steel, glass, stone and fiber all have unique qualities and when combined, take on a new set of relationships and interactions.

Most recently, I have developed my skills with glass and steel. Working with a kiln, I have discovered a new universe within the realm of glass work. I started working with a Master glass artist, Narcissus Quagliata. He assembled a small group of artists from around the world to discussion technique and creative concept call the “Round Table Sessions”. This honest and creative interaction with this group of highly skilled and accomplished artists, has launched a series of exploration. I am making different, more precise choices to create work with a strong sense of purpose.

The artwork is becoming more “raw” and interactive. I have made a choice not to make “pretty or comfortable” images, but present a conversation about the use of materials. It is a reflection of the Natural World — a true reflection including the awkward and unpredictable.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have impacted my journey are perseverance, insatiable desire for knowledge and forgiveness.

If you have determined to be a creative, perseverance to demand time, money and support when even the efforts seems pointless. Every day, spend time for yourself whether it be 2 minutes or an hour. It’s like the concept “pay yourself first”. The biggest excuse I hear from many people wanting to indulge their passions is the lack of time. MAKE TIME. That’s the simple choice.

Be curious about the world around you. The quest to understand something outside of your day-to-day interest brings an opportunity to be a beginner. Seek to learn more about small details like chemical properties of silicates or larger planetary concepts of magnetic fields. Your curiosity for greater understanding does not have to focus on creative efforts. It inspires and stimulates your brain allowing a gush of new connections that provoke creativity.

Forgiveness is essential to survive the challenges of our modern culture. Not every effort will be fruitful. Not every one will get your work. In our modern culture and digital exchange, I find even the greatest of achievements are forgotten by the end of the week. I find with rejection comes growth. The rejection has no bearing on who you are as a person. It does not diminish your purpose. If you make a mistake, say “Great! Bring it on! I am ready to learn and grow.”

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest obstacle is myself. I am working through a life transition. Sometimes it causes me to freeze, self-doubt and lose confidence. I understand to accept these feelings as part of a process — there’s nothing wrong with not always being happy and at peace.

Three year ago, I decided that my path was not sustainable. My world was complicated from decades of patterns, habits and relationships. The emotional challenges morphed into health issues. Last January, I had an emotional episode that caused me to temporarily lose my eyesight.

I share this personal story, because I hope I inspire other creatives to not feel alone. As creatives, we are sensitive. I wish to express that as part of our growth, except what is uncomfortable as part of the process. With every act, be kind to yourself. Be wise and mindful of your choices. When faced with uncomfortable situations ask yourself, “does this help my WHY?”

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer: Robert Alexander Mutch

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