Julianna Swaney: Golden Animals

Golden Animals, by Julianna Swaney.
15% of the gross sale of this print goes to Puppies Behind Bars.

Julianna Swaney lives and makes art in Portland, OR. She grew up in the wilds of Michigan, playing in the woods behind her house and cultivating a love of animals and bird watching. Her family vacations revolved around bird watching and going to distant places to spot birds with exotic sounding names. Julianna was lucky enough to have an education that also cultivated her imagination. She has always had a love of fairytales and the magic that can be found in the real world - within nature, history, and science. Julianna's work is an exploration of this mingling of the human and the natural.



About the print:
I draw a lot of animals that are mixtures of foxes, wolves, and forest spirits. For this piece I wanted the mountain man to be sitting with large, golden, mysterious animals. They're not exactly his pets, but they are on friendly terms - for now. Also, they might walk on their hind legs at night.

Golden Animals is an inkjet print on creme-colored acid free Stonehenge paper, with 100% cotton fibers.

PURCHASE $30!

What has inspired you recently?
I’ve been looking a lot at the online gallery archives of the New York Public Library.

What influences your work? Your art has been described as being from another era. Do you agree or disagree with this?
I would have to agree, I’m very inspired by old prints, illustrations, and ephemera like postcards. I have nostalgia for a time when people wore hats.

You tend to use a fairly limited palette. How does color factor into your drawings?
I guess it’s personal preference. I’m usually attracted to artworks that use limited color or monochrome, so that’s what I do in my own work. I think a clean, simpler color works best for my style of drawing.

Why did you choose to pair Puppies Behind Bars with your print?
I heard something about them on NPR and found it very moving and inspiring. I like the fact that Puppies Behind Bars is helping several groups of people at the same time.



How have you seen art transform the world around you?
That seems like such a huge question - I never know how to answer those types of things. I just know that making art is what makes me happy - and people around me happy - and I’m content with that.

If you could pick one artist to mentor you, who would it be?
Maurice Sendak. Every time I read an interview with him, he has such an insightful point of view on art and life - it just makes so much sense. Also, he is the master of getting across huge points with simple images.

Who are some artists that other people should know about?
My friends and roommates Rebecca Urias and Graham Kahler.

What are you excited about in 2010?
Nothing huge. I'm just looking forward to working more and finding new directions. I’m going to be in a few good shows this spring which I'm excited about.