Susan Swinand

My Complicated Heart

acrylic on plastic on wood

12″ x 12″

2024

I made this relief painting from a plastic form in a box of Valentine candy. It changed several times from a heart to leaf to a heart in the process of painting. I wanted the form to feel like it was alive and pulsing. I wanted the heart to express a range of emotions including passion, vitality and suffering.

@sswinand

Susan Swinand

Spicy

Inspired by: David Seltzer, Sea Salt/Lemon Sage Charles “Teenie” Harris, Cotton Candy Booth

cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, turmeric, salt, cumin, poppy seed, collage, acrylic medium, pencil on canvas

8″ x 8″

2024

I started with the idea of a hungry mouth, but the drawing evolved into abstract shapes that relate to eating. I was influenced by the humor and appetite depicted in “Cotton Candy Booth” by Charlie “Teenie” Harris. I was also inspired by the geometric, salt piece by David seltzer and was curious to see what colors and textures I could get out of the spices. I wanted a simple, sensory, spicy, humorous image.

@sswinand /Susan Mc Briarty Swinand