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How Artcroft Helped Me As A Young Emerging Artist

How artcroft helped me as a young emerging artist

About 10 years ago, I was given a month-long artist residency at Artcroft. My memories get a little bit fuzzy with the passing of time, but fortunately, I wrote a blog post every day of the experience. Looking back, that month was one of the defining moments of my art career.

Some of you might not have known me back then (or would like to refresh their memory), so here’s a link to my blog’s archive for the month of February 2008: https://www.kenswinson.com/store/?m=200802

ken swinson at artcroft

Having a solid month to focus on my artwork, allowed me to create over 40 new works of art. I have probably never been so productive. I think this photo is from day 7.

I made friends with fellow artists from all over the world. Sharing a space, and getting to know, so many creative people from different walks of life, opened my mind to more possibilities of what it means to be an artist.

happy goats on a hill

I helped deliver and care for baby goats (Triplets)

ken swinson painting at artcroft

After the residency, I didn’t return to my part time job, and have been a full time artist ever since.

Artcroft’s program has shifted a little bit over the years. They (Artcroft’s Founders-Robert and Maureen Barker) are helping to revitalize the small town of Millersburg, KY by replacing abandoned buildings in it’s town square with gallery/studio/arts education spaces as well as a cafe.

Robert and Maureen barker artcroft millersburg kentucky


This Saturday, they are sponsoring an art & antique show in Millersburg. I will be there, and hope you will come support this wonderful project: www.Artcroft.org

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Art in the Wild – Designer Edition

Its always exciting to see my artwork in other people’s homes. It’s the last part of the painting process, and I don’t always get to see it.

So you can imagine how excited I was- to see my art work show up on Sweet Tea For You’s Instagram feed as part of a design for a client.

Thank You, Renea, for including my work in your work!
Not only do I love Renea’s style, but she is one of those, community minded, creative people who live in the Ohio River Valley Neighborhood (Ripley, Oh), and I am glad we are neighbors. If you like interior design, or Ripley, Ohio, visit her facebook page at- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sweet-Tea-For-You-492279924266987 , and give her page a ‘like’.

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block printing with the Central Kentucky Art Guild

Saturday, I met the Central Kentucky Art Guild in Elizabethtown, KY for a printmaking workshop.

using my rusty/trusty press to make block prints with Debbye Hassell on T-shirt.


artist, Paula Haynes, proofing a print she will feature next month at the Clarkson Honeyfest.

Artists, Mary Lou Hall and Karen Hart, printing on paper


Thank you Dawn Kincaid, for the photos and introducing me to your art guild. I enjoyed meeting everyone and making art together!

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I have MOOved!

One of my few regrets after spending time in Mexico was that I gave up my 4th floor studio at The Pendleton Art Center in downtown Cincinnati. When I got home, I rented a nice space on the 6th floor, but it wasn’t the same. There is no place like home. After waiting more than a year, I am excited to announce that I have moved back to my original studio on the 4th floor! As always, we have a big open house on the final friday of every month (August 25th) from 6-10pm. If you like art, it’s one of my favorite things to do. The facility houses over 200 artists, so there is a lot of inspiring art in one place. I’d love to see you and show off my latest work.

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learning is a long road, whether looking forward or back

I have been learning 3D modelling for a few years now, and the more I learn, the less I realize I know. Recently, I was frustrated because I was having a hard time understanding some new concepts in the program, Blender 3D.

He ido aprendido como hacer arte durante unos años , y el mas aprendo, di cuenta que supe muy poco. Recientamente, estuve frustrado porque tuve un reto comprendido algo conceptos nuevos de 3D

I was looking through some of my old work, comparing old models to newer, and it reminded me that (even though I don’t realize it) I am making progress.
For example. Here is a paddle boat that I made a year ago:

Estuve mirando entre algo de mis obras viejas, comparando viejas a nuevas, recuerde que (aunque no di cuenta) estoy hecho progreso.


I remember that this boat took a long time to model, and in spite of it’s many flaws, I was happy with the end results.

Recuerdo que este barco me tomo mucho tiempo para construir, no obstante, con sus mucho errores, estuve feliz con los resultos ultimos.

Now look at this model I made today:
Ya mires a este obro he hecho hoy:

Even though it feels like I’m not making any progress, and it feels like an impossible thing to learn. I can look back, and remind myself that I am getting better…and if I continue to practice, I will keep improving.

Aunque lo parece que no estoy hecho progresso, y lo siente como un cosa imposible para aprender: puedo mirar atras y recuerdo que estoy mejarando…y si continuo practicar, voy a mejorar

Here is another example of an animation project. 3 years ago:
Aqui, hay otro ejemplo de animacion. hace 3 años:

and more recently:
y mas recien:

I recently (3 years ago) started learning Spanish, and it could be one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do…it is constantly frustrating, and I wonder if I am wasting my time. I continue with with the hope, that, like my 3D modelling, I am getting better, even though I don’t realize it.
Recientamente, comenze aprender español, es posible unos de mis retos mas dificil…constantamente dificil, y me pregunto si es un gasto de mi tiempo. Continuo con esperanza que (como mis proyectos de 3D) estoy mejorando, aunque no lo doy cuenta.

I know these models still have a lot of flaws, and I have a long way to go, but hopefully these examples give you all some inspiration, if you are struggling to learn something new.

Yo se que estes modelos todavia tienen muchos errores y necesito mejorar mucho, pero espero que estes ejemplos te dan algo inspiracion, si estas luchando aprender algo nuevo.