Interesting

For many artists early in their careers, following tradition is the way to go, to continue where one has left off from their studies whether it be from undergraduate or graduate. For Keith Allyn Spencer the traditional way of art did not continue to satisfy his interest. Instead, making new pathways by finding new “canvases” or dimensional pieces to name a few, allowed him to expand his creative mind and demonstrate avenues that art could be taken. Not only does he explore the art world thoroughly, but, he also teaches as a professor to young minds about the exploration and how there is more than just art. 

     Keith Allyn Spencer likes to express and have humor within each piece he creates. He had told the story of how the car covers had come about and the humor behind it. While he was driving with his wife they had a conversation on his next project where he could recreate the cars on covers and then cover the cars back up. With each project he likes to have humor, more fulfilling pieces of work. He doesn’t want it to just be a moment in time, a “flat” scenery, non-expressive, the pieces should be interesting, a part of the artist- genuine- not to make the viewer happy. Usually for me I do make pieces that make me happy but that fits into the box described. It would be a nice direction to pursue art pieces that do not have requirements or sent to fit into a box. Although it does seem that many people have a lot of expectations when it comes to pieces within galleries due to the art that has been representing, Keith Allyn Spencer feels an artist should just make interesting art that feels right to themselves. 

     It’s a compelling belief, just paint what you want, without a thought to who the audience will be, and what they are thinking. Art should not have to be critically looked at from all perspectives one can think of, but the emotion and effort that the artist has put into to the piece to make it genuine, authentic, and basically unique. The ability to make each piece connected within a series and unique takes a lot of planing, time, and effort from the artist but is not always appreciated. Here, however, with this new idea of just make it interesting, just make it yours allows any artist to enjoy and really think about what to do without any questions or second guessing. Although I am not a professional artist and have mostly done pieces for school or my own enjoyment, by Keith Allyn Spencer presenting this belief allows me not to stress so much on the little details that others might not like and to relax more, allowing what I want to be depicted be shown, expressed. 

     Keith Allyn Spencer might not be only an artist since he is a professor but that does not matter, for how he portrays his pieces and puts the emotion into them, the humor, the pieces speak more than words ever could. Everything that he believes for art, he expresses in each piece and series or project he creates making it easier to take in all that he remarks.