RICHARD SWENSON
Born and raised on a ranch on the North Dakota prairie, animals have played a central role in Richard Swenson’s life from the beginning. As an adult, Swenson served as a Navy Seal. He went on to earn advanced degrees in Physics and Mathematics, which led to a rich career as a physicist specializing in underwater acoustics. Although he was immersed in the world of science and technology, Richard never lost his sense of connection to the natural world. In the late 1970’s, he bought a farm, allowing him to again have large animals. The farm also provided an ideal setting for him to indulge in his hobby of restoring John Deere tractors.
Richard Swenson never considered himself an artist. He was inspired, however, by the relationships he saw between mechanical parts and natural forms. In 2000, he started assembling scraps of farm machinery and spare tractor parts into whimsical welded sculptures. Although he started by creating small pieces, his newly discovered art form quickly took on a life of its own. Soon he was sculpting herds of life-sized horses, towering giraffes, and sinuous Oriental dragons.
The fundamental theme of Richard Swenson’s art is, “The Primacy of Nature Over the Industrial Society.” It is Swenson’s hope that his sculpture, created from the spare parts cast aside by our throw-away culture, serves to remind us all of our vital connection to the natural world.
Richard Swenson’s work is widely held in private, corporate and museum collections, and is also on public display in New Orleans and in Los Alamos, Whiterock and Carlsbad, New Mexico. Richard retired from sculpting in January of 2020.
Richard passed away in January of 2023.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to watch an interview with Richard Swenson.
NOTE - Works with the notation "Oxidized Patina" have been on outdoor display, and may have a light rust patina on some areas. Please inquire for details.
Richard Swenson never considered himself an artist. He was inspired, however, by the relationships he saw between mechanical parts and natural forms. In 2000, he started assembling scraps of farm machinery and spare tractor parts into whimsical welded sculptures. Although he started by creating small pieces, his newly discovered art form quickly took on a life of its own. Soon he was sculpting herds of life-sized horses, towering giraffes, and sinuous Oriental dragons.
The fundamental theme of Richard Swenson’s art is, “The Primacy of Nature Over the Industrial Society.” It is Swenson’s hope that his sculpture, created from the spare parts cast aside by our throw-away culture, serves to remind us all of our vital connection to the natural world.
Richard Swenson’s work is widely held in private, corporate and museum collections, and is also on public display in New Orleans and in Los Alamos, Whiterock and Carlsbad, New Mexico. Richard retired from sculpting in January of 2020.
Richard passed away in January of 2023.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to watch an interview with Richard Swenson.
NOTE - Works with the notation "Oxidized Patina" have been on outdoor display, and may have a light rust patina on some areas. Please inquire for details.
Available Works
