Lisa Spencer

My name is Lisa Spencer. I am an artist. I have decided to submit three paintings for the 2007 Art of Recovery show. I am a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault. I felt it to be time to share these works that represent various stages of my healing journey.

Self Portrait
At this time in my recovery I needed to reclaim my voice, to find my ability to express my experience. I painted my determination despite my fractured structure. My face changes colors like a bruise healing. My heart is a fist of pain and anger, my fear curled up has no mouth and looks to me for voice. Having my emotions expands the wings on which my vision is realized. And my voice is restored.

Responsibility that is the Question
I was struggling with extraordinary physical limitations and grief. I painted my inner child. Is she responsible for being in this situation? She is determined not to crawl into the tree and curl up for a lifetime. She feels separated from the pack, a lone wolf cub. She is alone. But is she? Her courage has brought her this far.

With the faces of her grandmothers and the guardians of her story looking over her, she begins a new journey. She has chosen to be responsible for this moment, for her life now. She is strong in her spirit. The water is clear.

Virtue
Having the experience of beauty and the discovery of joy following a time of darkness seems to be a recurring theme in my life. At that time in my life, I began this dark painting and called it the virtue of shadow. The dark woods and the soft, heart shaped leaf of the Hosta envelope her. She waits. The light of hope begins to glow from beyond the woods and starts the journey towards her. She waits and breathes. The light energizes to her. To hold your heart open is a great virtue.

By blending academic techniques with American Impressionist traditions, I strive to create paintings that bring people to a place of stillness.

I enjoy working with watercolor and oil paint. Each provides a unique accent for my visions. I believe that with spirit and imagination, we create a connection that can heal. I like to deal with themes such as the strength in vulnerability, the power of innocence, and the courage it takes to create change.

I have illustrated two children’s books; The Fairy Who Lost His Wings, which was published by Juniper Berry Press (www.juniperberrypress.com) in 2004 and The Bear Who Had No Name in 2006. These books have already touched people in ways I could have never imagined.

I am grateful to my best friend and husband Tom for sharing in my journey.
To see more of my work go to www.lisaspencerstudio.com