Micheal Spence
Michael Spence was born in London and raised in Los Angeles. As a child, he was always drawing and painting, filling his early years with creative exploration. He continued his art education throughout high school, nurturing his artistic talents. After three years of service in the military, Michael developed an interest in photography and filmmaking, which guided him toward a degree from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. Alongside this, he pursued classes at the Santa Barbara Art Institute, laying a strong foundation for his artistic career in the film industry.
In recent years, Michael has made the decision to return to painting, diving into watercolor classes before discovering the versatility of acrylic paint and collage. His recent work has taken two distinct paths. One approach involves using a variety of materials such as fabric, newsprint, cardboard, old photographs, and even rusted metal, combined with acrylic paint to create layered constructions. Michael aims to evoke a sense of history, conveying themes of loss and buried places, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
In contrast, he also embraces the simplicity of painting, focusing on capturing the essence of landscapes through composition, color, and shape. His work is not about faithful representation but about expressing emotional connections to the scenery. Country roads, two-lane highways, and the intrigue of distant tree lines and far-off horizons serve as inspiration for his paintings, inviting viewers into the mystery of these cherished places.