I love Mike Swaney’s work. I asked him if he would participate in the Sketchbook Series but alas, like many artists he felt he didn’t have enough current sketchbook work to share. But he did send over a new exhibition catalog for a recent show he had with his former art collective Humanfive. The collective just came to an end after eight years so this was their first and last celebratory show in Europe at Galeria Victor Saavedra. Mike’s work is by far my favorite of the trio with it’s wonderful color, interesting collaged parts and obscure cast of characters in strange scenarios. Other artists in the collective are Simon Redekop and Jaret Penner- whose painting of topless ladies doing the ymca I am very fond of. You may be able to get a copy of this catalog by contacting the gallery here. Otherwise Cafe Royal often carries Mike’s small book projects. Also make sure to check out his site right here where you can see much bigger images of his collages and also see his sculptures which make me smile. Thanks Mike!

© Julia Rothman 2007