By Kaili Chiang
Ms. Spencer, an accomplished visual artist and wonderful teacher in Collingwood’s visual arts department, has just recently returned from her maternity leave after welcoming her adorable son, Wyatt (now 20 months old), into the world.
From a young age, Ms. Spencer was set on pursuing a career that involved her passions for both the arts and athletics. After completing a double major in art education and physical education, she realized her love for teaching art and went on to achieve a masters in art. It was during this master's degree that she was able to gain confidence in her art and in herself. Ms. Spencer says, “I had never felt so alone, but also so alive at the same time”, as her experience with critiquing and learning about conceptual art during this time helped her to grow as an artist. This impressive journey led her to Collingwood, where she first began as a P.E. teacher.
Ms. Spencer has a special interest in abstract landscapes in her art, inspired originally by Vancouver artist, Lisa Ochowycz. After attending a workshop with this artist, Ms. Spencer decided to try creating her own artwork in a similar style with amazing results. Her favourite piece that she has created features an abstract image inspired by icebergs, made with acrylic paint on a wooden panel
Ms. Spencer, an accomplished visual artist and wonderful teacher in Collingwood’s visual arts department, has just recently returned from her maternity leave after welcoming her adorable son, Wyatt (now 20 months old), into the world.
From a young age, Ms. Spencer was set on pursuing a career that involved her passions for both the arts and athletics. After completing a double major in art education and physical education, she realized her love for teaching art and went on to achieve a masters in art. It was during this master's degree that she was able to gain confidence in her art and in herself. Ms. Spencer says, “I had never felt so alone, but also so alive at the same time”, as her experience with critiquing and learning about conceptual art during this time helped her to grow as an artist. This impressive journey led her to Collingwood, where she first began as a P.E. teacher.
Ms. Spencer has a special interest in abstract landscapes in her art, inspired originally by Vancouver artist, Lisa Ochowycz. After attending a workshop with this artist, Ms. Spencer decided to try creating her own artwork in a similar style with amazing results. Her favourite piece that she has created features an abstract image inspired by icebergs, made with acrylic paint on a wooden panel
With her incredible experience in this form of art, Ms. Spencer believes that the tricky part about abstract art is knowing when to stop. It is important to stop before you’ve taken your work too far and have to start from square one. The sign of a finished piece for Ms. Spencer is a sense of calm and satisfaction with her creation. Beyond abstract art, Ms. Spencer also shares pertinent advice for aspiring young artists-- you don’t have to be the best artist, but you have to have passion. The passion to create is what will drive you to work hard and improve your skills, even without a natural gift.
Most of her time recently has been occupied chasing after her young toddler, not leaving much time for art. As for the future, Ms. Spencer hopes to begin creating again soon, saying “It’s been wonderful being back at work, as at least I have a little bit of time to get my hands messy.” We wish her the best with the birth of her baby girl in January, as well as her artistic endeavours to come!
More of her art:
Most of her time recently has been occupied chasing after her young toddler, not leaving much time for art. As for the future, Ms. Spencer hopes to begin creating again soon, saying “It’s been wonderful being back at work, as at least I have a little bit of time to get my hands messy.” We wish her the best with the birth of her baby girl in January, as well as her artistic endeavours to come!
More of her art:
Inspired by stormy seas
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Inspired by a swamp in Louisiana (when there for an art Conference)
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Inspired by a dark sky above golden hills in Merritt, B.C
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Family photos:
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