Click! will launch a Watercolor Artist group show to be featured during June and July. Brigida Swanson is a local West Seattle artist, and runs her PNW style brand Yardia. Come join us for Art Walk reception on Thurs June 14th to get a chance to chat with her. We asked her a few questions to get some insight on her creative process:
How would you describe what you make?
I create Pacific Northwest-inspired watercolor paintings that combine botanical illustrations with themes of empathy and magic.
What draws you to watercolor?
I love the vibrancy and unpredictability of watercolor. Painting is a collaborative process with the watercolor--it works best when I let the paints do what they want to do.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
I have a special fondness for my Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest art print, and recently got a tattoo on my painting arm inspired by the broadleaf lupine and Indian paintbrush illustrations that are part of it.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
I’d love to collaborate with Brigit Esselmont, the founder of Biddy Tarot, and create a tarot deck together.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Authenticity is living with the intention that who you are is enough.”
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
Painting details and patterns after all of the sketching and composition prep work has been completed. It’s a very meditative process.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
Podcasts, mostly nerdy ones about business, personal finance and magic. Some of my favorites are Creative Biz Rebellion, The Priestess Podcast and Side Hustle Pro. I’m also very much enjoying We Came to Win right now, which is a podcast about the World Cup.
What is your most treasured handmade possession?
My great-great grandmother’s spinning wheel, which she brought with her from Sweden to my ancestors’ homestead in Lynden.
