KenSwinson.com

Author: Ken

  • Harriett Beecher Stowe – American Hero

    A long time ago, a teacher named Harriett Beecher came to Old Washington to visit. She later became famous for her book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which depicted the cuelty of slavery. Her book was a big influence in the USA’s shift in attitude away from slavery. Part of the inspiration for ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ came from her experiences here in Kentucky, and across the river in Ripley, Ohio.

    Sketch of Harriett Beecher Stowe for linocut
    my sketch for the linocut – Harriett Beecher Stowe

    It’s inspiring how Harriett used her talent to help social progress in the USA. I wanted to honor her with a linocut.

    Harriett Beecher Stowe Notecards hanging to dry
    notecards

    I wanted to portray her with a halo, a quill in hand, her book in the other

    I thought they’d make good notecards. They are a fun way to share art with your friends, and Harriett would probably appreciate seeing us write letters using ink and paper

  • Peace on Earth-from the Log Cabin Print Shop

    partially carved linocut and sketch of a cabin with star over it with text that says peace on earth

    I’m working on a new linocut greeting card for the holiday season.

    carved linocut of cabin with star - ready to be inked

    Peace on Earth is always one of my favorite themes

    notecard of log cabin with star shining over it includes text: peace on earth

    The finished print!!

    drying rack with log cabin notecards

    A batch of hand printed greeting cards, hanging to dry. Wil be ready later this week. Look out for them, and hope you are all having a happy holidays!

  • Bunny Rabbit Block Prints – Work In Progress

    My sketch for a new linocut-a happy bunny with carrot

    sketch of a bunny in front of a house, holding a carrot

    after transfering the design onto a block of linoleum, it’s time to carve!

    a close up of carving a linocut

    the finished design, carved and ready for ink

    carved linocut before printing

    inking the block

    animation of ink being rolled onto linocut

    the finished linocut! Printed on acid free, recycled craft brown paper, with envelope

  • US Route 62 – November ZINE

    I have been on the computer less, while experimenting with a new way to stay in touch, express myself and keep you all up to date with my art projects, without using social media.

    I started a monthly ZINE! It’s words, art and ink on paper that you can hold in your hands, and it doesn’t need a battery, username or password. Print media is different from digital, and I’m learning a lot about how to tell stories this way.

    My goal is to make one once a month. They are free. You can pick one up at either of my studios at the Log Cabin Print Shop in Old Washington, or the Pendleton Art Center in Cincinnati. I’ll also include one with any online sales through my website.
    If you want me to mail you one, all you have to do is mail me a $1 bill (to cover the cost of stamp and envelope) to:
    Ken Swinson
    Po box 84
    Old Washington, KY 41096

  • Sketch day in old washington 11/11

    Its sunny today, but supposed to be freezing cold tomorrow, so i took my pen and sketchbook for a walk around old washington

    sketch of old courthouse in old washington, ky
    The old courthouse and sydney johnston house

    Theres something refreshing about pen and paper: no photos, no eraser

    sketch of old courthouse in old washington kentucky

    Just working from life, and capturing the moment

    sketch of Taylor's corner in Old Washington, Kentucky
    Taylor corner
    Sketch of Taylor's Corner in Old Washington, KY

    Hope you are enjoying the day!

  • Work in progress- print day: small town, big heart

    Carving is finished, so now its time tonprint the latest linocut.

    photo of ink being rolled over a linocut
    Inking the block
    animation of test proof being revealed
    The proof
    first proof of linocut with a village, sheep, horses and birds
    linocuts hanging in drying rack
    Fresh new linocuts in the drying rack

  • Kiln firing #2: from my sketchbook

    I’m in the middle of my second kiln firing at my home studio, and made this little sketch while watching it heat up.

    animation of hot kiln

    Wish me luck!

  • Raku Firing in Old Washington

    Michael H. Dickman​ led a raku pottery activity at our community art center on Saturday, October 5th.

    Here are a few clips from yesterday’s activity

    Mollie Beusterien​ also introduced us to a hot glazing technique, called OBVARA, which was similar to raku in that it deals with hot pots.

    raku pottery
    my obvara vase

    what fun! Im so lucky to live in a community with so many creative people!

  • New paintings -indoor safari + geese

    I’ve been back in the paint studio, and am super excited about my new acrylic paintings.

    8×10” framed acrylic painting.

    our little birdie is on a safari adventure inside the people house. Such interesting plants and wildlife!

    And a portrait of the Canada geese, who winter here in Old Washington

    Click either of the links for a better look, and information on how to support my work by buying a fine art reproduction.

  • Carved Ginger Jar- Work In Progress

    Finished carving the design for my second ginger jar. The colors will be a classic cobalt blue over white stoneware. I hope to have it fired and finished in 2 weeks