In the Studio with Kindra Swafford

Flock Solo Show Opening 2019 at Arts Council of Tahlequah Gallery, photo by Renee Fite Kindra Swafford, ᏧᎳ - Fox, acrylic on watercolor paper, 15” x 11”, and ᏯᎾᏌ- Buffalo, acrylic on watercolor paper, 15” x 11”, photo by Renee Fite

By Renee Fite

1. Your name, art mediums, and degree? What art groups are you affiliated? Tahlequah seems fertile ground for artists, what makes it a creative hub?

My name is Kindra Swafford and I like to think of myself as a 2D artist. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, OK. I work mostly in watercolor but find solace in picking up other mediums. I have started using acrylics again recently and seem to reinvent my style almost yearly. I’m an active member of OVAC, South East Indian Art Association, Arts Council of Tahlequah, and Inkslingers of Tulsa. When looking at Tahlequah from the outside, you wouldn’t think it was so full of creative people. From fine art, humanities, music, education— Tahlequah has it all.

2. Why an art degree? What did you learn from Northeastern State University Art department instructors?

I always enjoyed making art when I attended Salina Middle and High School. I chose to pursue an art degree after taking Drawing I my first semester at NSU. The professors at NSU always pushed me to do my best work. They helped me understand multiple mediums, and guided me to deepen my knowledge not only with a wide range of techniques but also the history behind the art. The art history classes kept me inspired and yearning for more knowledge.

3. Your art has been in several shows and in galleries. Your first solo show was impressive and interesting in presentation with the fiber art hanging piece in the center, and large painting peeking around it. How did you decide to incorporate both mediums in the show?

I was very honored to be able to have a solo show, Flock, in the ACT Gallery in August 2019. The largest watercolor I’ve ever created was hanging in that show. That piece alone taught me passion and patience go hand in hand. I remember sitting down that summer and transferring, Still Here, the 77.5” x 38.5” watercolor onto a large roll of watercolor paper. I couldn’t even stand it up inside the house because it would’ve poked a hole in the ceiling. So, I spent weeks laying on the watercolor itself, color matching these oversaturated glitched tones depicting a modern Cherokee woman, holding a war club, wearing a ribbon skirt, and Vans shoes. The piece was so large, the first time I saw it upright was on a wall at the show itself. That piece was the heart of the show. The yarn centerpiece was put together with the assistance of the curator, Callie Chunestudy, to tie in the colors of the handwoven pieces and watercolors that helped unify the theme of Flock.

4. How would you describe yourself as an artist? Why do you make art?

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out who I am as an artist. I always want to push my techniques and create artwork that makes you feel a certain way. For the people that have been following my growth, they know every year they’re going to see me kick into a new medium or combined set of mediums. I know that I want to keep creating artwork that helps me further my knowledge of my culture and interests.

5. American and Graphic Art designs and themes are found in much of your artwork. Where is your inspiration found?

This year I’ve been using more acrylics and working on learning Cherokee. Not growing up in a traditional home, I can only hope to learn and grow with the guidance of friends in my community. The new series combines building blocks and shapes as the focal points balancing around different animals. My earlier inspirations drew from pop culture and nerd culture.

Kindra Swafford, Justice, watercolor (Judge’s Choice at Cherokee Art Market 2019), photo by Christopher Murphy

Kindra Swafford, Still Here, watercolor on watercolor paper, 77.5” x 38.5”

6. Are you a full-time artist or also employed? What have you been doing with art through the pandemic? Have you learned a new skill or talent?

I’m an artist and work full time. The pandemic at first was hard. I was so stressed I couldn’t paint my intricate portraits or animals. So, I decided to try a different style and started randomly painting lines and circles on a piece of watercolor paper with acrylic paint. It felt so nice to be able to express an idea. I took it so far that I painted those shapes on a door in my studio. It made me happy. My creativity took off from there.

7. What are your art goals near and far?

For the meantime, I’m looking to keep painting and stay active in my community. Most of my friends are artists, and inspiring ones at that. For the long term, I’m hoping to further my education and get an MFA. But for now, I’ll keep painting and posting my work to social media platforms in hopes of spreading inspiration to anyone that is scrolling by. n

Renee Fite is Editor of Stilwell Democrat Journal and Westville Reporter, President of the Arts Council of Tahlequah, and a watercolor and stained-glass artist.

Patrick Blackwell Joe Goode Jerry McMillan Ed Ruscha Paul Ruscha Mason Williams

Sept. 10, 2020 – March 7, 2021 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art The University of Oklahoma 555 Elm Ave., Norman, OK 73019 fjjma.ou.edu | @fjjma | Always Free!

This exhibition is possible through grants from the Norman Arts Council, and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

For accommodations, please call Visitor Services at (405) 325-4938. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

Jerry McMillan, U.S. b. 1936, Spontaneous Happening in Jerry’s Studio. Mason Williams, Thelma Camacho, Ed, Archival ink jet print,1969, Loan courtesy of the artist.