Featured Artist Ian David Spencer

Artist Ian David Spencer presents a portfolio of mystical, dreamlike images using photography and digital painting techniques. Visit his website to see more of his inspired works.

 

 

Since my early teens, well over forty years ago, I have always loved photography and art! I always knew that I was a creative person and that I most definitely had a vivid sense of imagination.

 

 

My imagination was inspired by the ideas and possibilities I discovered through science fiction, fantasy and the wonders of the cosmos. I love the idea of a having a trajectory that takes me away from the minutiae of everyday reality. My mind is often “out there” via books, film and music.

 

 

Migrating away from the black and white film that was a big part of my earlier image making, I went on to explore the world of digital photography. I made this decision when I realized that the time had come for me to turn my back on a regular career and launch my own creative career. I was passionate about making this change and threw myself into doing what I needed to make it happen.

 

 

While on a course to learn the digital fundamentals, I discovered digital manipulation and painting software. Once I began exploring this media, I realised its infinite potential.

 

 

At the same time, I had become more spiritually connected with life. I sensed that this profound change in my inner being would have an influence on my image making. By drawing upon my vivid imagination as well, I was able to translate all my ideas into works of art. I was now stepping beyond reality and opening doorways to concealed realms!

 

 

I feel a great sense of awareness and excitement by being connected to the landscape, forest, woodland and ancient sites. The energy I sense in these locations connects me with my vivid imagination. I then imbue my work with dreamy, ethereal, mystical and cosmic imagery. It’s almost as if I am on a quest to rediscover lost worlds steeped in mysticism and ancient lore, or even to discover new lands. Think of “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World” or “Star Trek” rolled onto one!

 

 

Creating my art is a very intuitive process. I allow myself complete freedom to express my ideas in a natural state of flow. If I feel I am “trying too hard,” then I cannot create great work. This is very important for me to remember.

 

 

As my work is purely escapist, I approach every piece with an open mind and a desire to connect the viewer with my ideas so that they become a participant in my quest. Indeed, blurring boundaries is key.

 

 

If I am asked, “Is it a photograph or a painting?” my answer is, “Both and neither.” It is more than that; my art is something that challenges preconceptions about our place in the grand scheme, presents “visionary” ideas and arouses curiosity. If you look deeper into the narratives I create, you will find much that challenges the mind and much to discover.

 

 

I sincerely hope that my ideas, my vivid imagination and my sense of exploration capture the hearts and minds of those who choose to view my work. My future aspirations include more commissioned work—private or commercial—book projects, gallery representation and collaborations.

 

Artist Ian David Spencer invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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