Artist Lindsay Swing

Based in Portland, Oregon.

The Process

All skulls are found either as roadkill or while hiking. They are cleaned using a series of maceration, degreasing, and whitening techniques before they are worked on. All crystals are grown directly onto the skulls using crystallization principles of mineral salts and non-toxic chemicals. The crystals are clear-coated to protect them from external damage and color distortion.

Insects are found after a natural death, preserved, and splayed before being placed into their tiny worlds. Dried flowers used in my work are hand-picked and carefully dried for preservation. All windows are cleaned and minimally treated; the glass panes are secured, but occasional cracks are often incorporated into the piece.

I use manual engraving techniques that I have developed over several years, which mimic classic printmaking techniques to achieve the delicate yet intricate designs seen in Autobahn illustrations.

The Artist

I am a self-taught artist and professional florist with a background in science, which heavily influences my work and style. Captivated by the art of biological illustration and the beauty of the natural world, I strive to capture the wonder of all things around me by exploring non-traditional mediums. My love for abandoned treasures led to an obsession with vintage windows, which I now use as the primary canvas for my illustrated work. I employ specialized engraving and inking techniques to create each window. Every engraving is entirely freehand, making each piece one of a kind.

My sculptural pieces mix found biological oddities—such as bones, insects, and botanicals—with clay and grown crystals to create surreal worlds crafted with attention to detail and respect for conservation. All the objects used in my work have been scavenged from natural death and are ethically sourced, often found during drives or hikes in the wilderness. This process bonds me to each piece created and allows me to remember the exact origin of each object used. I aim to challenge viewers to look beyond the concept of mortality and see the beauty and respect in a life well-lived.

My tattoo design work reflects the illustration style found in my engravings, focusing on the natural world. I’m always open to branching out for exciting new projects and styles, as long as they align with my skills. I aim to create pieces that highlight the beauty, curves, and movement of the body, designed to complement both the body and the art itself.

The Inspiration

I have always been entranced by scientific art in all its forms. From the art of natural history dioramas and taxidermy to vintage scientific illustration, I am captivated by the challenge of blending disciplines. I aim to capture the wonder of childlike discovery—the same feeling I experience every time I find a new piece. Each object sparks creativity in me, whether it’s a discarded window or a discolored bone. I seek the beauty in everything around me.

Every skull is designed to accentuate its natural shapes and lines; much like snowflakes, each skull is unique, lending itself to a truly original design. Each insect is given a “forever home” and paired with foliage and other treasures that highlight its individuality, creating a fun and whimsical feeling in every piece. As each piece is found, its imperfections are embraced as part of its beauty.