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 on global climate change and environmental imbalance. My paintings investigate the results of the human impact upon nature, often told from the perspective of the wildlife depicted. They ask us to question what is, and what will be. The resulting dialogue will hopefully help us appreciate the important role of nature in our lives, and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.  

 Nature has always fascinated me.  When I moved to the Northwest in the early 1990s, I became enamored with the power, beauty, and spirit of the land. I attempt to portray this visual revelation through my art. Embedded with a unique visual language of intricate patterns, my work bridges the physical world and an imaginative dreamscape, creating a visual tapestry that speaks to the combined consciousness of the natural world.   Akin to the experience of discovery in nature, my paintings invite the viewer on a journey of discovery. The compositions of my paintings are assembled from a multitude of smaller narratives which refer to many of the manmade environmental issues of our time, such as global warming, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, and industrialization.   I often use patterns and subtle images in the background as a descriptive language to be deciphered and interpreted. By doing so, I hope my work inspires people to learn about and appreciate the natural world and the threats it faces, and ultimately, to become part of the solution.    

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 philosophical 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