“There’s something special about using alternative process photography techniques that allows me to slow down and connect to my art. My work centers around creating something unique with images and materials from my own backyard and favorite areas around Montana. By upcycling secondhand clothing I aim to not only reduce textile waste but also create unique and stylish clothing that tells a story and celebrates individuality”
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Kellie Swanson (b. 1994) is an alternative process photographer and artist based in Bozeman, Montana. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Photography from Montana State University in 2018. After taking time off to travel and ski, she has refocused her work on handmade fine art printing and sustainable one-of-a-kind artistic fashion. In her KSX clothing line, Swanson explores the relationship between nature, sustainably, photography, and self-expression.
Publications & Press
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In Her Studio
With 160 pages of tips and ideas for your own creative space, you won’t want to miss this exciting installment of In Her Studio where artists showcase the places where they create and share the thought processes behind developing their unique spaces.
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Montana Women Issue 14
Equinox. Featuring Kellie Swanson, Bozeman-based Cyanotype artist. Photograph by Ben Goertzen, article by Megan Crawford. © Montana Woman Magazine 2021
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Foraging New Fashion
Artist Kellie Swanson of KSX ART generously sat down with us to share more about her experiences, process and inspiration around the upcoming collaboration with Stio—including how she fell in love with skiing, art and her community in Montana.
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Exploring The Entrepreneur
Check out our latest Exploring The Entrepreneur, KSX Art, and send your favorite piece of clothing to be upcycled with a unique design. “It’s really fun to add my art to [preowned clothing], give it a second life, and give it back to them to continue to love”
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Artist Series 2024
Kellie Swanson doesn’t remember a life without skiing. Everything, whether she realized it or not at the time, has revolved around it.
And now, living in Bozeman, Mont., where she skis Bridger Bowl (a lot), she’s found a way to fund her passion with another—art.
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Colossal Mag
Brilliant Botanical Cyanotypes Adorn Kellie Swanson’s Upcycled Garments. Published March 10th, 2023
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Workwear For Women Reveiw
This past season, my trialing obsession grew to include women’s workwear. Finding workwear for women that’s durable, comfortable, flattering, made to actually work in, and that fits different body types has proven to be quite the challenge. I have pretty much tested every single brand on the market now and I have a lot of thoughts to share.
April 18, 2023
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DAYBBREAK V.5
Pull out all the old blankets and curl up next to the fire. In DAYBREAK V.5: Home, we're telling stories.
January, 2024
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Hi! Want to be my friend? Ok, great! Now that we’re friends here are some fun facts
about me…
I have the best dog in the world, her name is Nash and she is a queen. I also have the best cat in the world, DanBill. He is a weird, cross-eyed king.
I love to ski. B Bowl has my heart ❄ girz girl :)
I grew up in Bellevue, Washington where I played tenor saxophone in the Newport High School Marching Band & I spent all my summers with the best people in the most magical place on Orcas Island. Orkila Alum.
I really like houseplants. I can’t keep all of them alive but I sure do try.
TRAINS. I love trains so much.
Im very bad at spelling. Always have been, always will be. Pretty much anything you see written from me will have a spelling mistake and that’s just how it goes.
My floral tattoo sleeve is all the favorite flowers of the amazing women in my life ♡
Some things I don’t like are icy boot packs, and cilantro.
I graduated from the Montana State University School of Photography in 2018. It took me 5 years because I didn’t want it to end. Fell in love with Bozeman while I was at it.
My grandma was the most iconic, badass, sweet, and lovable woman I will ever meet. Love you more, Maggie.
My favorite color is yellow, my favorite book is A Court of Mist and Fury, my favorite movie is Cool Runnings, & favorite food is sushi.
Science is real, black lives matter, no human is illegal, abortion is health care, love is love
The key to my heart? Mad Mile Cream Ale.
Studio photographs by Devin Helen Boudior