We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Reven Marie Swanson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Reven Marie, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I am completely confidence and maintain perfect self-esteem. Well… that’s a pack of lies.
It’s impossible to embody the sensitivities of an artist and maintain a steady flow of confidence. It’s part of our nature to challenge, explore, observe and sometimes experience things backwards. We all understand the dark forces of the inner critic. The more we tell the inner critic to quiet, the more it rages at 2:00am in the early mornings.
Let’s first understand the origin of the inner critic. For most, it’s first appearance blossomed when we were children. As we learned the “rules” of good behavior from our parents and social culture, the inner critic formed as a means to develop and conform into adulthood. During the early beginnings of my career, the inner critic was an essential driving force of discipline and work ethic. As much as the inner critic assumes it is protecting your goals and self-esteem, it can also be devastating, untrustworthy and unjust.
There is a balance that can be managed. From the book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”, Rick Rubin, “We are all participating in a larger creative act we are not conducting. We are being conducted. The artist is on a cosmic timetable, just like all of nature.”
The notion that my creativity was just as valuable and the forest provided a new connection to my place in this Universe. I told myself repeatedly, “I am enough.” That opened my eyes to the possibilities that where obstacles exist, I have choices. I make better choices than the inner critic is capable.
My best advice I could share to find your confidence and self-esteem is be open, willing and flexible. When the storms of the inner critic rages, take a breath. It will pass because your connection to the Universe is real and valuable.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a native Coloradan and began my career as a professional sculptor following graduation from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1988. My career began as a stone carver and eventually lead to an opportunity to live and work in Italy. After returning to the United States, I embarked on a an apprenticeship with the monumental sculptor and mentor, Robert Mangold.
My work resides in numerous public and private collections, both nationally and internationally. Highlighted commissions are throughout the Rocky Mountain region and the West, including Trust for Public Lands, the National Endowment for the Arts, Museum of Outdoor Arts and 40West Arts District.
I am launching a new venture, AnnieMarie Design. I offer unique handmade glass work. The panels and orbs are fired in the kiln several times until the glass becomes magic. The glass embodies its own Universe. The artwork seeks to recreate our experience with the land and it’s beautiful complexity of living.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be curious. Be observant and listen. Be willing to take risks.
There is no such thing as wasted time. The skills I learned as a journalism major, working for an electrician, horse instructor, fiddling with crafts like tatting led to a culmination of knowledge. In fact, today in the studio, I am constructing a steel frame to “drip” hot glass through a mesh. I am designing the frame as the same loom used to make potholders from fabric loops.
For the commission, “Stairway to Heaven”, located in the Grand Entrance of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, I used every skill I possessed. The stairway has 44 risers, 12-feet wide. The entire project was made out of fused glass and installed in such a way to support 1000’s of concert goers accessing the staircase. My skills to understand sewing and quilt-making, computer design, welding aluminum, chemical properties of adhesives, observing light, color and keeping everything tidy for a smooth installation proved valuable.
Take every opportunity to learn, meet experts and experiment. Throughout your journey, those tidbits of knowledge will help build your future.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
In the world of glass art, particularly kiln-fired fused glass, I have run into some interesting artist, worldwide! The artists come from all types of backgrounds. Through their own processes and the unpredictability of glass and kiln, there are many techniques and experiments occurring. The media is experiencing many revelations.
I would welcome and enjoy collaborating with other glass artists. I would enjoy talking shop about their techniques and share my discoveries. If someone wishes to contact me, please use my website. Send pictures. Share stories. Ask questions.
Art doesn’t happen in a void. Together, in a community of sharing, artists have the ability to shape culture and influence the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.revenswanson.com www.anniemariedesign.net
- Instagram: revenmarie anniemariedesign
- Facebook: Reven Marie Swanson AnnieMarie Design
- Other: https://revenswansonsculpture.blogspot.com
Image Credits
Robert Alexander Mutch
