November 18, 2009
perth artist david spencer
Sometimes an artwork makes you stop. This is what happened when I recently saw these sculptures by Western Australian artist David Spencer. He has been heralded as a rising young star and has held many successful exhibitions in the past decade. His work is available through United Galleries.
Which five words best describe you? I always find this question difficult, so I sought help from my girlfriend and together we came up with: creative, emotional, naughty, charismatic and usually grumpy on Monday's.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I was at Perth Zoo when I was in my tweens and no, not behind the cage, working in the cafe and I was pretty hopeless at it. Various job since have lead to becoming an operations manager. This has offered security and supported me financially to pursue an art career. Dealing with annoying people and computers most of the day gives me every reason to express myself with painting.
What was the starting point for your most recent exhibition? It was at the Prada building in Tokyo. I took a photo of the external landscape and the composition immediately attracted me thinking, "I'd love to recreate this as a painting."
What's your proudest achievement? There have been many, but getting organised to have my first solo show was a great personal achievement.
What's been your best decision? Asking a girl I approached out for dinner - she later become my girlfriend.
Who inspires you? People that love what they do and finding little objects on the ground.
What are you passionate about? There are many things I suppose, but trying to be nice, listening to others, creating music, art, of course, and letting others know they're great.
What's the best lesson you'v learnt? Try to remain humble.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Really would like to see my Grandfather more.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Owning a house with an open, sun-drenched studio, living in Cuba and learning a language.
What are you reading? I've tried for three years to read Shantaram so now on the bedside table is Singing for freedom by Ani Choying Drolma.
images david spencer