Throughout many cultures and mythologies, a story appears of a creature of delicate elegance and a free spirit, whose corporeal form is split between a swan and a woman. Free to roam the skies and explore waters, she removes her swan skin to bathe and socialize. If her swan skin is stolen during this time, she is forced to live forever in purgatory, isolated from her community and true self until it is returned to her. In many versions, the woman is trapped for decades, living a full life as a human wife and mother before she is able to transform back to her full self. This story speaks of longing; warning of the repercussions of humans separating themselves too drastically from the natural world.

This triptych is comprised of 3 pieces, each 5’ x 4’; each of these 3 pieces contains 4 layered acrylic panels with imagery printed on each. Each is backlit with LED panels. The imagery was created by first painting each layer in oil on canvas, photographing them, and then printing these images on the acrylic panels. With this technique, the artist was able to retain the appearance of hand painted brushstrokes and the subtle texture of canvas, while allowing the layers to have differing opacities and create increased visual depth. These pieces were commissioned by Clayco Corp, and are displayed at their Upshore Chapter. Images by John Jennings Photography.