artist Lindsay Swing

my process

All skulls are found either as road kill or while hiking. They are all cleaned with a series of maceration, degreasing, and whitening techniques before they are worked on. All crystals are grown directly onto the skull using crystallization principles of mineral salts, and using non-toxic chemicals. All crystals are clear coated to protect them against external damage and color distortion. Insects are found after a natural death and are preserved and splayed before being placed into their tiny worlds. Dried flowers used in any work are hand picked by me and dried for preservation. All windows used are cleaned and MINIMALLY treated. The glass panes are secured, but occasionally have a crack that is often worked into the piece. I use manual etching TECHNIQUES that I have developed over several years, which mimic classic print techniques to ACHIeve the delicate yet intricate designs that were seen in AUTOBAHN illustrations .

About me

I am a self taught artist, and professional florist, with a background in science which heavily influences my work and style. Captivated by the art of biological illustration and the beauty of the natural world, I strive to capture the wonder of all things around me by exploring non-traditional mediums. My LOVE OF ABANDONED TREASURES LED TO AN OBSESSION WITH VINTAGE WINDOWS, WHICH I NOW USES AS THE PRIMARY CANVAS FOR my illustrated WORK. I EMPLOY specialized ETCHING AND INKING TECHNIQUES TO CREATE EACH WINDOW. every etching IS ENTIRELY FREEHAND, which makes each ONE OF A KIND. my sculptural pieces mix found biological oddities such as bones, insects, and botanicals, with clay and grown crystals to create surreal worlds with attention to detail and respect for conservation. All of the objects used in my work have been scavenged from natural death and are completely ethically sourced, often being found on drives or hikes in the wilderness. This bonds me to each piece created, and allows me to remember the exact origin of each objects used. I try to challenge the viewer to see past the idea of mortality to the beauty and respect of a life well lived.

my inspiration

i have always been entranced by scientific art in all of its forms. From the art of natural history dioramas and taxidermy, to vintage scientific illustration, I am captivated by the challenge of blending disciplines. I want to capture the wonder of childlike discovery. the same feeling that I have every time I find a new piece. Each object sparks creativity for me, from a discarded window to discolored bone, I seek the beauty in all things around me. every skull is designed to accent it’s natural shapes and lines, much like snowflakes each skull is different, lending to each having a truly unique design. Each insect is given a “forever home” and paired with foliage and other treasures that highlight its individuality, creating a fun and whimsical feeling in every piece. EACH PIECE IS FOUND and therefore IMPERFECTIONS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE A PART OF THEIR BEAUTY.