Fox Friday: Gene Swanson Explores Life Through Art

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Fox Lane and Hillside senior Gene Swanson is an artist in an impressive number of mediums. Gene works in clay, fashion, sculpture, mixed media, digital art and animation, jewelry, drawing and painting and is also a talented writer.

“Gene is observant and perceptive, taking in all the small details as true artists do, as well as finding universal connections and themes,” said art teacher Amy Salerno. “Whether it is through a collection of ceramic masks that have been punched and contorted and designed with pigmented pouring medium to express the physical impact of emotion in facial expression and identity or an animated short capturing a moment from daily life, Gene’s artwork expresses their personal experiences, beliefs and observations of the world in which they live.”

We spoke to Gene to get some insight into their inspiration and creativity.

I have heard that you are involved in a lot of different areas of art. Could you tell me a little bit about your favorite mediums and what you like about them?

While I've always loved sketching and painting and more two-dimensional mediums, I've really been enjoying ceramics this year, and working in 3-D. Working with clay challenges me in ways other mediums don't: testing my patience and making me work to solve problems like breaks and cracks in the clay.

Ms. Salerno said that you work a lot of humor, satire and social commentary into your work. Can you talk about that a little bit?

I always try and make things a little humorous, and I think your statement is true about a lot of my pieces — although I don't really think about it as I'm doing it. Usually, I'll give my pieces a ridiculous title, distracting from the piece's seriousness. I also like to disturb people a little bit and make them uncomfortable, whether it's because something in the art is wacky or it makes people sit with and face different opinions.

What are you inspired by?

I'm inspired by so many things; it is hard to list. I would say I've always been inspired by my mom, who is a painter, and I've always loved that her paintings cover the walls in my house.

Can you tell me a little about what you like to write? Is there anything about the process that is similar to creating visual art?

I love writing! I would say that it might come somewhat easy to me because I'm such a visual person, I can visualize exactly what I want to explain. With my writing, I love to keep the humor and social commentary I show in my art. My favorite thing to write is funny little short stories. 

Has art helped you in any other areas of life? Or taught you anything valuable?

I think that art has let me express things that I wouldn't be able to get out otherwise. It lets me focus on all the beauty around me, and it calms me down, focusing on drawing the angle of a nose or making sure to get proportions right.

Do you see yourself continuing to be an artist in the future? If so, is there anything you hope to accomplish?

I definitely see myself doing something art related in the future, whether that's as an art teacher, an art therapist, or even a tattoo artist!