1xRUN Thru Interview
The Gathering by Nathan Spoor
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, what materials were used to create this piece?
Nathan Spoor: I think the important highlight of the piece is that it has a positive and joyous energy. Overall it is a part of the growing series of works for The Intimate Parade. It was painted with acrylic on canvas and was painted over a couple years’ time, and was finished in 2011. From start to finish it took a couple of years. I originally had trouble finishing it, not knowing what would be the right character or element to put in the dome. I tried a couple things and let it sit for a while and worked on other things. Eventually the idea came for the umbrella and gift to reside there and it seemed to all make sense.While this piece is in a collection, it’s companion piece “Strange Loyalties” (pictured below) hangs here at the house. This piece illustrates the other side of the situation, showing portals into that world as well as the young female is awakening to an in-between state of consciousness.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Nathan Spoor: The main idea of this painting is a moment of revelation, or culmination of something that the inhabitants have been waiting for. The main characters of the piece are the two items that have been constant symbols throughout as this entire series has grown. The gift and the umbrella. The gifts are objects that hold memories of the female characters’ past, present and future in the series. We never know which it will be. But, the objects have the ability to contain those moments and to transport her to another point in time. The umbrella is an item that appears so show the main characters which paths are safe for traveling. These are being held inside a glass dome, and seem to have been there for some time. Now there is a gathering of the land’s inhabitants, as a message is being delivered (from the balloon character top left area) that will signal a change for everyone.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece and should people buy the print?
Nathan Spoor: What is unique about this piece is the balance of celebration and joy with a slightly subdued mystery of an unfolding moment. There are several things going on in there, and its fun to imagine what the back stories of all the zones of activity might be. This piece is vibrant and playful. It would fit into a kids room or a doctor’s office. The interesting element for me is that it is highly conversational. The viewer can have their own personal interaction with it and someone right next to them can have a different interaction. So in that way it’s personally conversational and exciting to the eye and mind. It also invites viewers to build their own story as to what is happening or what brought us all to this moment.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Nathan Spoor: Playful
1xRun: You recently wrapped up a show, anything else on tap for the summer?
Nathan Spoor: On tap this summer is working on a piece for Copro Gallery’s 20th Anniversary show in August. A group show with Color Ink Book at WWA Gallery. Also a Ralph Steadman / Gonzo themed show coming up that I’ve got a couple strong pieces in, more info on that soon.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Nathan Spoor: Website – Facebook – Tumblr
-1xRun