Meet Ian | Cornish Artist | Ian David Spencer

Ian David Spencer has been passionate about photography and art for about 40 years. In the late 1970's he acquired his first camera, an Instamatic. Later he received his first SLR camera. Using 35mm film he became fascinated with black and white photography so he decided to learn the art of black and white film and print processing in a home darkroom. This led to him studying photography at college and then gaining a City & Guilds Of London Institute qualification in photography in the 1980's. His passion for his art continued until 1999 when his life dramatically changed and forced a hold on his photographic journey. By this time he had become fascinated by the esoteric beliefs and ideas about health, spirituality and alternative living and also became interested in Buddhism. In 2003 he studied alternative healing and attained a Level 2 qualification in Reiki. In 2010 he turned his back on his full time career as an administrator to concentrate on working in the alternative living sector. It was while he was deciding which path to choose, that he turned his attention back to photography as his creative side blossomed once again.

He decided to embrace the digital age and went to study digital photography at a local college. It was during the course that he was introduced to digital manipulation and painting software and soon realised the infinite potential of this medium. By taking photographs and drawing upon his spiritual awareness, he soon realised that he could create beautiful and unique art that successfully fused his two passions together. In 2011 he successfully exhibited his work for the first time and since then has enjoyed many other successful exhibiting opportunities at festivals across the UK. He is currently working in collaboration with a musician creating images for an audio-visual installation that will be shown to live audiences in 2021. Aside from his spiritual awareness, his work is also inspired by the mysteries of the Universe, the paranormal, mystical tales, science fiction and fantasy elements, nature and a vivid almost psychedelic imagination. He lives in rural Cornwall, where he is never far away from stunning locations that inspire his work.

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'I am often asked: 'Is it a photograph or a painting'?There is only one answer. It is both and neither.

My work seeks to blur and cross boundaries in "spiritual" and technical terms for an immersive and participatory experience.

In doing so the imagination is stretched, the curiosity is aroused and it gives birth to lots of ideas and possibilities.

It then poses more questions than answers. This is very important in my work.

If the technical aspects were more important and I had all the answers to what the narratives in my work mean, then I might as well pack up and go home'

'For me, my work is an alternative view on the world. It is about pushing boundaries, asking questions as well as an escapist experience.

Escapism that is filled with joy and full of soul. I approach every piece with an open mind and a desire to connect the viewer with my ideas and beliefs and be a participant in my own journey'

'In my work, vision and imagination are everything. I could possess the most advanced and most expensive camera kit and digital software available, but if there is no vision, no imagination, no "alignment with the Universe", then I cannot create great work. This is very important.'

'My journey as an escapist artist has had its moments of chaos and despair. But equally, moments of great joy and tantalising successes. There is no doubt: it will continue to be like that for as long as I create great art. It's part of the course. But my vision and imagination will always prevail, come what may.'

Collecting works of art is an experience that provides emotional benefits both in the purchase and in the narrative of the piece. By allowing a touch much deeper within than simply admiring form, texture and colour, the purchaser has become a participant in the artist's journey and feels a much deeper connection with the work and that of the artist.

Buy art that you love and that you will always want to live with. It will return the favour by enhancing your life every time you look at it.

It has been proven that viewing art is very good for the health on many levels. Becoming a collector and lover of art is good for the soul!

Purchasing the work directly from the artist supports their small business and career, helping in the creation of new work and special projects. Also, by buying direct, you form a more direct relationship with the artist and experience more personal service. You have the opportunity to engage with the artist about their creative journey, something that you can't normally do at an outlet or in a gallery. You also have the distinction of having met or spoken with the artist. How cool is that?