Charlie Swan

Charlie Swan is a British artist, currently based in London after a time in Istanbul. Born in London and engaging in works, which encompass sculptural three dimensional wall pieces that conceptually follow thematics of cultural narratives, coupled with notions of the scientific, and mathematic/geometry. 

Swan refers to his current working method as 'Paving'.

Developed out of an inventive curiosity to unify spatial and temporal repetition within a granulated medium, the technique was born. The origin of the material is a construction of primarily six-millimeter diameter pencil hexagons, allocated on a variety of surfaces, but primarily on board. The result is highly sculptural with comparisons drawn to the atmosphere evoked of master tapestries.

A compulsive appetite for knowledge lends Swan's process to one that is heavily research based, investigating all aspects of human endeavor. Core, directive research coupled with a natural eclectic movement of subject investigation drives the production of imagery within the framework of lateral thinking puzzles. The term lateral thinking, coined by Eduardo de Bono involves solving problems through an indirect approach, using reasoning or ideas that may not follow a traditional process of logic. So hybrids between puzzles and story-telling, indicators of narrative within the technique of 'Paving' are present throughout the elements of the artworks, the vast majority of surface being comprised of the segmentation and allocation of the wooden helix of the shavings. Achieved from the base material is a unique relationship between the circle and the line.

The comedy of uncertainty is a recurring theme within the work, with a path of risk and the opportunity of loss offered willingly. The trend in explanation for the universe and our role within it being the creation of myths, gods and spirits. Swan creates discussions of impermanence. The granulated medium producing an invitation to view a reflection of one's cellular transience.

Swan's work is held in numerous international private collections, such as London, Istanbul, New York and Porto.