Swartwout Portfolio

by John Swartwout

“Many years ago I had an incredible encounter, while living in Germany. I believe in many of our lives, there are highs and lows, throughout ones life. For me at this particular point in mine it was definitely a low, but an event changed that both in an unexpected way and place. Letting several u-bahns pass I sat there contemplating all matter of things. Then I noticed a variety of of people headed to the convention center with a common string. Most had name badges with a flags of their native country. With broad smiles and hugs their arms and hands moved at a furious pace. People from countries all over the world getting together as old friends. This was the deaf community I was witnessing a level of hope and joy I’ve never seen before. I thought if this chance happening at that moment and thought, “Someday I’m going to create a piece that pays tribute to a community that showed me the world can be a different place, a better place. Hence, this series "Boomtown" was born.”