Greg Swain was raised in the suburban shoreline setting of Fairfield, CT where he began his journey as an artist. After graduating high school he travelled throughout the country in search of a new inspirational home. Upon arriving in Bozeman, MT he was captivated by the amazing mountainous landscapes and majestic skies. Taking influences from nature and the imagination, he created artwork based on his surroundings in Montana. By blending elements of music, literature, mathematics, culture, and philosophy he developed a surreal style.

While Greg was primarily self-taught, he has also had an academic focus in the arts. In 2002 he received the Connecticut Scholastic Art and Writing Awards “Silver Key”. A graduate of Full Sail University, he earned an Associates Degree in the field of Computer Animation. As a current student at Montana State University, he has gained a range of experience in different mediums such as metalsmithing, painting, woodworking, and printmaking. He has participated in MSU’s 2011 and 2012 “Upheaval: A Revolution of the Arts”. His artwork has also been featured in the juried 2013 “Vox Populi” art show at MSU.

For the 2012/2013 ski-season, Greg produced graphics for Caravan Skis, an environmentally conscious company based out of Bozeman. He created a series entitled “The Waking Reality” which included three graphics. This series focused on the geometric patterns in nature and music. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio can be found in the patterns of the skies and the compositional elements. After sketching the concepts in pencil, the drawings were created using Micron markers and Faber Castel artist pens. Those drawings were scanned and duplicated on top sheets and pressed onto the skis. The graphics became part of the “Artist Edition” line, featuring the designs of local artists on custom shaped skis.
The medium of the skis allows the artist to have a moving canvas that is on display wherever the skier decides to venture. The art takes on the role of a communicator and therefore allows the artist’s ideas to be expressed to people who otherwise might not have the viewing opportunity. While on the ski lift, the viewer becomes a captive audience to the artwork. Some people might glance and look away, while others may be deeply inquisitive. The purpose of “The Waking Reality” series is to portray a message of positivity and dedication, while providing a visual experience that is unique to the viewer.

The visions on which Greg relies to create his artwork are taken from his dreams and his adventures. While snowboarding in the backcountry, hiking a ridgeline trail, or walking through a busy metropolitan area, he takes inspiration from the environments he experiences. Music plays an important role in Greg’s life because he is a percussionist who sees patterns and geometry in music and art. For the artist, rhythm is to line what tone is to color and melody is to structure. This blending of artistic elements is natural for those who cross over mediums. Among those who influenced Greg are multifaceted artists. His creative inspiration comes from musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Garcia, who not only were iconoclastic musicians but also notable visual artists.

Greg Swain’s website is swizzleboards.com and he can be reached through the email swizzle@swizzleboards.com. For inquiries about skis contact Zeph Hallowell: info@caravanskis.com