The evolution of Pica2 Graphics' began 20 years ago. To make a long story short ... on the technical side, I started with a solid knowledge of program applications and systems. Over the years I acquired several of the most sophisticated programs for layout, composition, and art creation. Finally, I learned the traditional elements and techniques of typesetting from the former owner of the original Graphics West, Inc., Dan Maio of Colorado Springs. It was with his encouragement that Pica2 Graphics was born.

If you are interested in having your book prepared for print, please browse the Book Design and Composition pages for more information and contact me to discuss your book or project.

BARBARA A. SWANSON 

My multicultural art works are primarily interpretations of zoomorphic / cryptozoology (mythical animals) or transcendental beings often infused with hidden scientific or mathematical elements. I cultivate a fascination with the mechanics of visual patterns and how they interact, develop, and repeat themselves through all cultures throughout the ages. This fanciful unification of cultural imagery is not intended to be authentic or faithful to any specific culture or discipline. They are an amalgam of visual experiences.

I was born in Butte, Montana in the shadow of the Berkeley Pit, but have lived in Colorado since I could crawl. After a childhood spent fishing, camping, and nurturing an appreciation for nature, I graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts (with detours into Earth Sciences) from the University of Colorado.

Post college, I worked in a small paper mill that specialized in custom handmade papers. While at the mill, I produced my first series of small watercolors on shaped, deckled handmade papers. Their imagery was a combination of Southwestern Indian and Japanese design elements. Thus was born my multicultural style. From these small works evolved mixed media art using combinations of monoprint, stamping, acrylic, watercolor, airbrush, and collage on shaped panel, paper, or canvas. Explorations into graphite and colored pencil drawings add to my palette.

Today, I continue to work in mixed media. Continually growing my art by adding new mediums, imagery, and configurations. Please browse the Fine Arts & Crafts pages.

Pica pica is the species classification of the Black-billed Magpie.
The Magpie is a member of the Family Corvidae that include their relatives jays, crows, and ravens.
Pica2 is a tongue-in-cheek mathematical shorthand of Pica pica.

The name also recalls my involvement with the production of handmade paper. One of the (volatile) formulas I developed was a surface treatment that enabled paper to shift color from blues, greens, and purples-similar to the iridescent structure of a magpie's plumage.

A pica is also a typographical unit of measure.

Finally (and for my purposes, happily unrelated) pica is an eating disorder. 

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