Residence

Nordland, WA,

Place of Birth

Framingham, MA,

Personal Statement

My recent work was made over a five-year period in Providence, Rhode Island. Working at an inner city school, I photographed students with strong roots in countries such as Laos, Cape Verde, and Dominican Republic. The children were often facing incredible hardships yet maintained a resiliency and strength of character.  At the time, my husband and I lived in an old Tailor shop for little rent in an area called the Armory District.  It was here I also began to photograph our neighborhood in a state of gentrification. I received an Independent Research Grant from the Rhode Island Council of the Humanities to make portraits of individuals living in the district.  The work created a dialogue amongst those affected by the rapidly transforming community.  The photographs are a means of making sense of life's complexities and conveying strength of humanity.

Awards and Honors

2004 Independent Research Grant, RI Council for the Humanities

Contact Information

swanson.deb@gmail.com