In the Studio with Artist Tony Spencer
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Tony Spencer. Spencer’s solo exhibition, Trybe-All Celebration, is currently on view in Gallery 194 from November 2 - December 18, 2023.
The opening reception for his show is on November 9, 6 pm - 8 pm RSVP HERE
The Library
Tony Spencer is a Recording Artist, Poet, Model, Composer, and Storyteller. He is the founder of Enrapture Records and Enrapture Ministries, and has a B.A. and Masters degree from Sojourner/Douglass College. He was one of four Annapolitans to carry the Olympic Torch across Maryland during the 1996 International games. Tony and his family have been a fixture in the area for a long time, and have long been involved with goings on at Chesapeake Arts Center. Join us this November and December for an incredibly special solo exhibition of Tony’s work, both visual and narrative
What style, genre or medium of art excites you the most?
I like working on abstract/acrylic on canvas of archival paper the most. While acrylic is my favorite type of surface, depending on what works best, I may use watercolor, as well.
Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?
Yes, I do consider myself an artist. I have an open spirit to hear, see, and feel inspiration that encourages me to mentally conceptualize my thoughts, plan my approach, demonstrate them into words, song, script, and then transfer those thoughts to their proper destination.
Who is your mentor and what did they teach you?
My initial mentors were my high school art teachers: Emily Scott (10th grade) and Louis Schatt (11th – 12th grades): Mrs. Scott taught us to experiment with colors and how to balance designs, while Mr. Schatt taught us to appreciate colors and to turn them into unique designs. Structure, and independent freedom are key too.
How do you find inspiration?
Inspiration comes to me in various forms: all of my senses provide the avenue: sight, sound, touch, word(s), motion, elements of nature, the weather (seasons), and sometimes my senses combined themselves. I have learned to never restrict my thinking to only one way of considering my approach to the arts (visual, vocal, performing, sometimes sports along with sound) offers up new thinking.
Midnight Tiger
What emotion(s) fuel your work?
All of them … As I stated above, I will not box myself into a corner. If I do, I cripple my creativity.
What does your artwork represent?
My artwork represents the totality of me: heritage, knowledge of self, knowledge, and experiences of the world, as I have witnessed and learned of it (locally to internationally). Never be satisfied with just one response to an answer.
When did you start creating art? Was there an event that led you to this?
I started creating visual art in the nineth grade (1965-66). I was just given the opportunity by my art teacher to be creative. So, I used old newspaper, plaster paste, water, and pieces of two wire hangers (used to hang clothes in a closet), and I formed a man, as if he was stretched out on a sandy beach watching power and sail boats passing along the Chesapeake Bay: leaning back on his left arm, left leg extended straight, with his right leg bent up and his right arm resting atop his leg on his right knee.
How often do you create art?
I create art regularly, only in my mind; however, I currently spend time creating hardscaping in my yard (front & back). I have never painted or hardscaped just to paint or create art in any form. I must be inspired. Even in the middle of a project, I may lose inspiration. Suddenly, I stop feeling that special inspiration to continue. …I stop. Most times l regain my inspiration again and jump back in, but sometimes It just does not happen … In 2016, it took me six-months to complete one painting, because I could not create the “right look” that would say, “HELLO!” When I found it, I still was not satisfied, but my wife and daughter had to say, “that’s it … It is time to stop!”
When do you paint or create your art? (before coffee, after bed, when inspiration strikes…)
When the inspiration strikes: it could be during the mid-day, or evening, whenever the mood is favorable with the moment.
What is your/creative space like? Or what is your favorite place to create in?
It is based on the atmosphere (in my office/study, in the living room, in the family room, the kitchen, or the back deck listening to real or smooth jazz.
Trybe-All Celebration
Do you work on one piece of art at a time, or multiple?
I will work on usually one piece at a time, butsometimese there are multiple ideas flowing, and I go the inspiration.
What’s in a name; how do you title your artworks?
A name can offer the overall meaning, and that helps me decide the title of my work. Many times, a common theme that only I, as the creator of the piece can see, hear, taste, or feel. There is usually a theme brewing somewhere in my spirit that strongly suggests the name or title. There are times when a family member or a friend will see a title that I had not thought of, and I will use it.
Thank you,
Tony
The Talbot Spy
Gallery 194 Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10am-1pm