January/February 2012 Cover Artist
Peace, Rabbit
by Sara Swink
My clay human and animal figures come from a psychological point of view. Introspective and ambiguous, they often have a humorous edge. My ideas derive most often from a process methodology that employs simple and accessible techniques like collage and doodling to unleash unconscious imagery. I sketch to flush out ideas, which often leads to more ideas.
A wise man once said to me that the artist must practice heroic self-indulgence. Making art requires enormous amounts of time, let alone thinking about it, writing about it and running the business of it. In this, I strive to be true to myself and make what I am drawn to make. It’s the process of inner exploration that keeps me moving forward.
Last August I spent two weeks with the Creative Arts Community at Menucha, the first teaching and the second as a student. Both were equally rewarding. There I met Trish Harding of Bellingham, Wash., who gave a presentation of her work. Her talk centered on using her art as a tool for peace activism, and it blew me away.
Peace, Rabbit (on the cover of New Connexion) is a nod of appreciation to Trish and her work. It’s part of an series of babies and small children I’ve been exploring. The expressions of babies and children are innocent and naïve while pure and honest. Such is the desire for peace — while it seems rationally impossible, it is passionately heartfelt.
Sara Swink has a studio in West Linn, Ore. She exhibits at several western U.S. galleries and participates at local events including Ceramic Showcase and Portland Open Studios. She is offering a creative process workshop on January 14-15. Visit www.saraswink.com.