Chandler Swain
I live and work in the village of Blakeney near Almonte, Ontario, 1/2 hour west of Ottawa. We live beside the Mississippi River ( not THE Mississippi: this one is in Lanark County , Ontario, Canada ) and as a result the natural world around me is inspirational. Foxes, Herons, Turtles and Otters are our neighbours. Early morning walks in the woods with Michael and our dogs Nell and Bear, gardening, and studio time fill most days.
I was trained in graphic design, painting and drawing at art college ( with 3 very inspiring years in England) and then majored in ceramic art at Sheridan College near Toronto. I have been a studio potter since the late 70's.
I have found it rewarding to work in organizing events to promote the work of other visual artists. A big project for me for over 20 years was co-ordinating The New Art Festival in Ottawa.( newartfestival.ca). Another project I created and have helped co-ordinate is an annual invitational ceramics exhibition in Ottawa, Ontario called 260 Fingers. ( 260fingers.ca). As a result of that experience I felt able, along with my friend and ceramic art colleague, Richard Skrobecki, ( richardskrobecki.com) to establish a gallery of fine craft in our community in 2012 which has become a beacon for excellence in hand made art in this part of Canada. The gallery, now solely owned and under Richard's brilliant direction, is called General Fine Craft ( generalfinecraft.com) and is in Almonte, Ontario.
My work can be found at The General ( General Fine Craft.com) , at 260 Fingers.ca and at my studio by appointment.
can you beat having a grandson to hang out with in the studio?
love walking through the garden from the house to get to work.