Member Profile: Rebecca Swanson

closeRebecca Swanson was born in Sacramento, California and moved east to Ohio when she was four years old. In Ohio, she was able to spend time with her Grandmother, a china painter, first watching her paint flowers on vases and plates and then imitating in her own childlike way. She also spent time with her mother, an avid gardener, who taught her to appreciate the beauty of nature. After graduating from The Cleveland Institute of Art, she moved to New York City. There, she worked as a Textile Designer and Print Stylist, primarily painting and styling floral prints for swimwear and lingerie. As a creative outlet, she photographed flowers in botanical gardens, printing black and white silver gelatin prints in the darkroom. Digital technology changed the way Rebecca worked. Her computer became her darkroom. She continued to take photographs in botanical gardens and in her studio, creating images that integrate the fine art of painting and photography. A new project of interest to Rebecca has been documenting the natural beauty of the Bronx, where she has resided for over nine years. Rebecca has been exhibiting her artwork since 1995. Her photographs can be found in private collections across the country as well as in corporate collections such as Banana Republic and The Harry Ransom Research Center in Austin, Texas. She has photographed gardens around New York City for Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Foundation. Rebecca’s work was photographed in Ina Garten “The Barefoot Contessa’s” apartment for House Beautiful magazine. Her photographs adorn the guest rooms of The Atlanta Buckshead St. Regis Hotel and the penthouse of the Atlanta Buckshead Marriott Hotel. Her website is www.rebeccaswanson.com.