I spotted this latest artist in Charleston’s Atelier Gallery through the window on a Sunday a while back.  I had to take a picture and do a little research to track down my latest Artist Spotlight Series talent that captured my attention with his unique work.

Enjoy getting to know 

Spencer Herr

Asheville, NC

What is your training? 

I’m self-taught!

What inspires you and your designs?

So many things; early Dutch painters, Concrete Constructivism,  philosophical and spiritual ideas, anything that causes me to question my current esthetic.

What is your favorite piece? 

That’s such a difficult question! It really depends on the day. I have favorites from each series, and for some reason it’s usually the second painting in any given series.

How has the your area influenced your work?

Asheville is a great place for an artist to live and work. There’s a huge and supportive artistic community here. I don’t think one can avoid being influenced by the energy and creativity of this small southern mountain city.

What is your favorite restaurant in Asheville?

Right now it’s Cecilia’s Kitchen. Tamales, empanadas, crapes!! Plus Cecilia is so sweet! Whenever I bring my kids into eat she makes them something unexpected and special, usually some kind of custom desert crepe.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Have to stick with a classic no frills Margarita on ice.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I try to keep it 8 to 5. I leave the house on my bike around eight come home for lunch at 11:30 back to work and home at 5. That way it fits into what the family and friends see as a traditional schedule and they respect my time in the studio.

Dream trip?

Loading up the family, dogs, bikes, kayaks, into a van/bus and hitting the road for 6 months. We would tour the country stopping at concerts, museums, National Parks while visiting family and friends.

The encore would be a flight to the islands for some snorkeling and diving.

Dream commission?

A huge public piece.  

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Big Hugs!!

Who is your style icon?

  My Mom (for real)

Your favorite up and coming artist?

To be honest I’m not sure. It’s tough because there are so many great artists out there.

 What is your most treasured possession?

Not sure we really possess anything but our house and my bike are pretty great.

What are you reading?

Super entertaining slightly juvenile book called “Off to be the Wizard” by Scott Meyer

What are you listening to?

Lots of different bands, Mogwai, El Ten Eleven, Explosions in the Sky and as always some Grateful Dead.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

          Booooooom.com

   Ultraromance on Instagram

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Spencer Herr was born in Kansas City, MO in 1974. He moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1980 and currently lives and works in Asheville, NC. In 2000 He earned his BS from Northern Arizona University. His work centers on the social and cultural impacts of religious and philosophical ideas. Layers of acrylic, crudely scratched lines and deftly drawn/painted detail construct his figurative images.

Enjoy more of his stellar portfolio. 

Follow Spencer on Facebook or on his website. 

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