Laura Swingen, Artist in Residence, USA

Drawing, Mixed Media

Residency Dates: October 2025

Studio H Canada is thrilled to welcome Laura Swingen, an emerging, multidisciplinary visual artist from Portland, Oregon, USA. Laura works in painting and drawing.

My primary focus for my time at Studio H will be creating figurative paintings, building on themes I have been exploring in my work this year. My paintings are often surrealistic and narrative, making visualizations of my inner world. I hope to push myself to work more expressively, breaking away from the technical process I often use to complete my paintings. Additionally I want to honor my conceptualization time and work on creating sketches and writings. Having time to focus purely on my creative development is an opportunity I am striving to take full advantage of. I have not been to Victoria BC and I am looking forward to exploring a new environment and culture.

Laura Swingen
Laura Swingen, Art House 2024acrylic on canvas24” x 35”
Laura Swingen, 601 2025 acrylic on canvas 48” x 24”
Laura Swingen, AHHH 2025acrylic on canvas22” x 22”*
Laura Swingen
Laura Swingen Nahelam 2023 Acrylic on canvas 30”x 60”
Laura Swingen, Strongest Swimmers 2025acrylic on canvas46” x 26”

About the Artist

Laura Swingen is a figurative painter based in Portland, Oregon. Swingen has exhibited work in various venues in the Pacific Northwest, including the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Corvallis Museum. Swingen participated as an exhibiting artist and partial owner of Blackfish Gallery from 2023-2025. In addition to her painting practice, Swingen contributes to community engagement art projects and serves as a teacher, model, and facilitator at local figure drawing studios. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Portland State University in 2022.

You can learn more about Laura on her website: https://www.blackfish.com/lauraswingen.

The next artist joining Studio H Canada International Residency is Zoë LeBrun from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in November, 2025. Stay Tuned for more information about this artist.

Artists of all media and disciplines are welcome to apply to Studio H Canada International Art Residency – please check out the link here to apply.

Check out previous posts about artists here.

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Miyoko number2

08:09 10 Sep 24

My time as an artist in residence at Studio H Canada was unforgettable. First of all, Heidi and Michael are exceptional hosts, and the environment of the studio is outstanding. Everything about Studio H is absolutely perfect for an art residency: its natural surroundings, the retreat-like atmosphere, free from distractions yet full of inspiration. There's so much more I could say, but you just need to go and discover for yourself how positively impactful this art residency will be for you.
Miyoko (from France)

Ashlee Banxxs

03:10 14 Aug 24

I had a truly incredible experience at the residency. The stunning location provided the clarity and inspiration I needed to focus on my art. Heidi was a gracious host, creating an environment where I could explore my own techniques while also learning from fellow artists. We shared our knowledge and honed our craft together. The landscape surrounding the studio is breathtaking, filled with vibrant herbs and flowers, immersing us in nature. The ocean views are simply spectacular. I genuinely believe this is one of the best residencies out there, and I would love the opportunity to visit again.

grace s.chwarz

04:34 09 Aug 24

heidi is simply the best :) sharing such a beautiful space and studio with artists is truly a gift, that i got to thankfully experience back in april this year. a worthwhile experience and beautiful place to experience it. thank you heidi!

Jenn Pearson

17:13 15 Jul 24

Studio H residency was absolutely ideal for me, which at the time was cozy and peaceful. Heidi is a fantastic host, who not only facilitated my needs, but also provided inspiration, knowledge, and friendship. I highly recommend this residency.

Daniela P. Meier

16:23 14 Jul 24

After my long and sometimes somewhat turbulent journey, Studio H was the perfect place for me to regain my creative strength! I was able to devote a month to art in the middle of nature. I was inspired by the surrounding nature, the collected flotsam and the conversations with the super friendly hosts.

With yoga in the forest and walks on the beach, the stay felt like an art-peace retreat.

In addition to the hospitality, I was also super happy with the accommodation itself. It was well equipped, offered all the necessary comforts and also had breathtaking views of the sea, Vicotria and, if the weather was clear, Mount Baker.

It was an unforgettable time. Thank you very much for everything, I hope to see you again and come back!

Vanessa Valero

23:40 13 Jul 24

Not enough good words to describe this residency and this place. Really magical. The landscape was just breathtaking, but what I will remember the most are the hosts. I really enjoyed my time here—very productive and very comfortable. I would definitely go back!

Laura Kunciūtė

19:22 02 Mar 24

Heidi is a gem and Studio H Canada, that she shares wholeheartedly, is the most welcoming art residency there is. Since the studio is crafted by a fellow artist, the space is very intuitive and full of inspiration.
The experience the Studio H Canada International Artist Residency brings is a balance between solitude, sheltering nature and abundance of wisdom from Heidi.

Art Action Earwig

00:40 22 Jan 24

We had the pleasure of learning how to make art-soap with Heidi. Our experimenting was a success thanks to Heidi’s insight and expert advice.

Spacious and versatile studio space with lots of light.

Comfortable, clean and cozy living space.

Gracious, encouraging and communicative hosts.

Beautiful and inspiring location in Metchosin with views of Victoria and the Salish Sea. Its easy to walk in the woods or explore nearby lakes and coastline, not too close and not too far from the city.

Studio H Canada International Artists Residencies

international art residencies, art exhibitions, retreats, collaborations

Drawing, Mixed Media

Residency Dates: October 2025

About the Artist

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