Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Herr.
Spencer, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in the desert southwest as the middle son of 3 boys and surrounded by western machismo. Feeling lucky to have been raised in such a rugged environment that seemed to offer limitless possibilities, my imagination was always running wild.
Eventually, I made my way to the coast of California and then to the mountains of Northern Arizona and Idaho. I worked my way around the west with odd jobs and plenty of friends before landing outside Roanoke VA in the tiny town of New Castle, where I met my now wife, Kara.
For the past 16 years, We’ve lived in Asheville NC tucked snugly into the folds of Appalachia where the mountains seem to welcome us with water, shade, and interesting people. We have two daughters and live within walking distance to my studio on the French broad river. Life is really good.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m self-taught (a Iot of us are) which kinda frees me from the formalism, and seriousness painters are often taught. I take visual and conceptual risks while exploring topics ranging from masculinity, politics, and religion without the criticism of academia. It just comes out subtly or not so subtly to address the assumed power structures in American culture. Typically, I combine historical imagery with contemporary language to give a familiar voice to new and old revelations. For instance, Jesus at the Last Supper declaring to his disciples, “the funny part.. they’ll remember us as white” uses a familiar scene to speak truth to what we’ve obviously been ignoring. Or using a 1940’s advertisement depicting two conservatively dressed women speaking in modern SMS language about how their husbands are not contributing to the housework. My paintings are meant to inspire laughter conversation around some of our most basic principals and beliefs.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I think the challenge has always been how to get your work out there. With the internet and social media its easier to find an audience but its harder to balance dealer/gallery relationships. They don’t tell you that you’ll have to wear so many hats; business owner, accountant, marketing director and above all… artist. It’s totally worth it though!
I think success is subjective but for me, it’s being able to walk into the studio every morning with a grand agenda and walk into the house every night knowing I’m living my dharma, feeding my kids, giving my wife a kiss and going to bed feeling good about the direction my life has taken.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
If you’re in Asheville, my studio is a great place to start! I currently have work at Bergdorff Goodman in NYC and Pop Gallery, Sante Fe. Instagram is a great place to see an up to date portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2002 riverside drive unit 42L Asheville NC 28804
- Website: spencerherr.com
- Phone: 18285450247
- Email: spencer@spencerherr.com
- Instagram: @herrspencer
Image Credit:
Steve man, last supper
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