Hi, my name is Varian Lee Swieter and I live in the foothills of North Carolina. Thanks for visiting my web site. The image below is a collage self portrait that I created. I wanted to have something that represented me until I can replace it with photos of me in the studio.

I have been involved in some form of art most of my life, from charcoal and pencil sketches, stained glass and playing guitar. In the 1970’s I started working with stained glass. I created my own designs and incorporated a 3D design element which made my work unique from the typical 2D work that existed at the time. I have been involved in several family businesses that also incorporated an artistic aspect, including Picture Framing and Interior Design. 

Currently, and during the past several years, I am using clay as my primary medium pulling in aspects, ideas, and techniques that I have learned or discovered over the course of my entire life. Much of my work has a unique flair using techniques such as inlay, airbrush, and carving along with some hand drawing. Several pieces also incorporate other mediums such as leather lace to accent my ‘Nick Knack Sacks’. I am also the creator of ‘Get A Grip Stoneware ™’ a unique drinking vessel. I like to design pieces that you will not see often yet still attract you to them. I also try to allow each piece to have a life of its own which makes all my pieces slightly different.