rocki swiderski: VISCERAL
“I think of my work as form and content, of course, as spirit and devotion and constantly trying to find the answer to a problem, where the problem is not a problem but a question and the question is a target and the target is always moving.”
Fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence at Home ReSource
“range day”, Acrylic and gouache on Canvas. 18 x 24”, 2024.
How would you describe your work?
Scratchy, noisy, feral in a bad way, moody in a good way, girly, aggressive, angry, quiet.
“landscape” (fabric), Gouache on landscape fabric mounted on frame. 30 x 40”, 2023.
Created at Home Resource with Open AIR residency.
How do you think about color in general?
I read something recently that described painting as a stage in which color is the star of the show. I think of my work as form and content, of course, as spirit and devotion and constantly trying to find the answer to a problem, where the problem is not a problem but a question and the question is a target and the target is always moving. Painting can be a hunt. But also color is this thing I have a deep intuitive and specific relationship with. It’s mainly unspoken. It’s emotional and visceral and a good exercise to try and describe but also a waste of time. This past week I wrote about how I was breaking up with pink and purple. That I had dug myself a rut over time and needed to break out of it. It’s not just pink and purple; it’s specific kinds of pink and purple. It was a love letter and also a breakup. Something about addiction, like color is a vice. With pink and purple, it’s actually maybe just drama and moodiness. Anyway, in painting there’s always a handful of narratives happening at once. Color may be the star of the show but it’s quiet and personal and maybe better off left unexplained.
Studio. January 2024. Tucson, Arizona.
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence?
My experience with Open AIR was special. I spent my time pretty introspectively, getting to know Missoula during the height of fall color through bike rides to and from the studio, walking, looking, and drinking tea.
Sonoran Desert Sign. January 2024. Tucson, Arizona. (Left) Palms. January 2024. Mexicali, MX. (Right)
What was your research process during this time?
My research process felt like it was mainly visual and in my head more than tactile & physically experimental. The time went by fast and there was a lot to absorb. Home ReSource was (naturally) chaos, but so was the visual lushness of early autumn plant matter in Missoula neighborhoods. The surrounding natural areas, the river, the parks, the woods, were both solace & welcome distraction.
“shade”, Shells, brass, caulking, chain, dirt. 12 x 12 x 6”, 2023.
Created at Home Resource with Open AIR residency.
Any new projects in the works?
I’m working on a book that’s a culmination of 8 years of photos and drawings and writing, and I am also working on a two-person show that will open in NYC next fall with one of my dearest friends.
Outdoor pottery studio. January 2024. Tucson, Arizona.
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
I’ve continued my painting and ceramics practice, been applying for jobs & residencies, been walking around the desert with my dog, and I bought a crock pot. The crock pot feels like it’s mirroring my pace these days. I’ve been slowly working on building out my studio, I also started a newsletter to try and depart from my reliance on social media, which has been a nice outlet for more intentionally releasing words & images into the world.
“4 better (fleabane)”, Acrylic and gouache on Canvas. 18 x 24”, 2023.
Created at Home Resource with Open AIR residency.
