My style evolved from my love of wood, curves, and soft edges. I have been a cabinetmaker for 42 years. I see beauty and movement in wood and let the material tell me where it wants to go.
My art is all about the pieces used to create an image. I have always enjoyed drawing, so I’ve taken that love into wood. I also look for special woods when I go for supplies; purple poplar, curly maple, figured wormy maple, walnut crouches, unusual colors and designs that naturally occur in the wood. Then I go into Photoshop and take my drawings or images and create patterns. These patterns are cut up and I search my scrap for just the right flow, and color. The best time is when I oil the pieces. The images pop, and I get to see if my vision of color and grain worked.
This past year I have been building a new work space at my home. It’s not complete yet, due to COVID supply chain delays. So I will still be showing at The Hangar again this year with Janice Rieves, Eva Green, Jane Eckenrode, and Gretchen Niver. Meanwhile you can read about my wood journey there on my website www.diswanwoodgal.com and see some of my past cabinet and art designs. Also look for my soon to be new website DianeSwan.com.
While I’ve been making cabinets for my new shop, I look forward to fall preparation for studio tour in this new space. I love making a big mess, and having a few pieces going at once. Not all of them make it to the final exhibit but it’s the playing and imaging that I enjoy the most. I hope you enjoy it too.
Gallery
