and adobe. With his interest in sustainable
design, he has become somewhat of a self-
taught pro in the field, perfecting greywater
systems with mastering solar panels and
photovoltaic systems next on his plate.
When it comes to Swartout’s professional
work, building out tattoo shops and creating
new pieces, his influences can be teased out
vis–à–vis with his life experiences. His earlier
work is reminiscent of Mission-style furniture
meets minimalist modern with clean, solid
lines expressing his affinity for Southwest architecture and design. Large pyramid shaped
composite pieces echo the wrought iron
votive candle altars found in the old Franciscan Missions of the Southwest. As everything
evolves, so has Swartout and his art, leaning
toward more pattern work, more color, even
larger installation pieces, which allows him
to be more creative and expressive, but still
marrying function and form.
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