Susan Swaim, Earth and Wing, 28x19.5x.75 in., mosaic on board
My recent work explores the use of traditional mosaic materials and handmade ceramics. In this piece, I have integrated custom clay elements—including the figure, flora, and lepidoptera wings—with standard mosaic tesserae. By pressing Indian wood blocks into raw clay, I created the textured circular backdrop and leaves that surround the central figure.
The shape of the substrate intentionally mimics the arc of a butterfly in flight. I chose to depict the figure unadorned, save for a winding thread of beads, to evoke a sense of freedom and serenity. She serves as a guardian of this fantasy space—part human, part nature, and entirely at peace. She is the queen of the garden, a fairy, a butterfly, a passerby.
Susan Swaim, Earth and Wing, 28x19.5x.75 in., mosaic on board
My recent work explores the use of traditional mosaic materials and handmade ceramics. In this piece, I have integrated custom clay elements—including the figure, flora, and lepidoptera wings—with standard mosaic tesserae. By pressing Indian wood blocks into raw clay, I created the textured circular backdrop and leaves that surround the central figure.
The shape of the substrate intentionally mimics the arc of a butterfly in flight. I chose to depict the figure unadorned, save for a winding thread of beads, to evoke a sense of freedom and serenity. She serves as a guardian of this fantasy space—part human, part nature, and entirely at peace. She is the queen of the garden, a fairy, a butterfly, a passerby.
