A Visual Tapestry

Since ancient times man has used art to tell stories, document events, and record history.  My work follows in this tradition with a commentary around global climate change.  Often using wildlife to create a point of view,  the paintings depict the results of the human impact upon nature.  They have us question what is and what will be.  Nature has always fascinated me.   When I moved to the Northwest in the early 90’s I became enamored with the power, beauty and spirit of the land.  It was a visual revelation that I attempt to communicate in every piece.  

Embedded with a unique visual language of intricate and subliminal patterns, the work bridges the literal and the imaginative. I exist somewhere between the dream world and the real world and that is where the work originates.   In my process many of the images are comprised and assembled from smaller bits of information. One of the underlying principles of the work is to create pieces where 'The sum of the parts is greater than the whole'. In this regard, the paintings transform from up close or viewed from afar.  Often in the background I use images as a descriptive language to be deciphered and interpreted. Im fascinated by how the mind visually searches to recognize the familiar. The human brain is particularly adept at finding patterns and I use this technique to create interaction. I like to surprise. I like to create a journey of discovery.  

Though Covid was the issue of the year, the environmental crisis is the  issue of the century.  I hope my work inspires people to be a part of the solution, speaks to future generations,  helps to define our current period in history, and tells a story of our time.   

Spencers Comments:

The Interconnectivity of life on this planet is essential for collective existence.  The rich biodiversity of millions of species are all intertwined and connected.  Earth might be one of the most diverse habitats in the universe.  We forget,  that by some great plan of fate, man has become the predominant species.   Unfortunately this has also created great imbalance.   As we are learning,  there is a combined consciousness amongst nature,  plants, and trees.   My work explores the relationships between man and nature and poses the question: Is man part of nature or in opposition to the natural process?   Its an interesting question that first must be viewed from a perspective.  Its a very different answer when looking from ones own backyard or from outer space.  Its a very different answer when thinking about it this week or over 10,000 years.   My work attempts to create a conversation about this by interjecting a human representation or activity in contrast to the natural world.   The resultant tension can help reveal our personal truths of who we are as a species and our place in this world.  

Spencer has developed a unique artistic style, building elaborate compositions, beautiful stylized fields, and with a strong voice for nature. jf