November 8, 2005

Eclectic illustrator Spencer Reynolds of Beaverton is the first artist to be given a gallery showing at Corban College.

Reynold’s vivid work will be shown through November 29 in the Psalm Performing Arts Center gallery.

“This show is a collection of various works from the past seven years,” Reynolds said. “These pieces are samples of my interests, studies and commercial illustration work. They are insight into my eclectic nature as an artist, and represent my progression into different realms of visual expression and spiritual growth.”

The gallery showings are at the direction of Steve Hunt, vice president for marketing, and  Communications intern Jenna Zufelt.

"I'm excited that we could open with an artist as unique as Spencer," Hunt said. “His artistic integrity yet funky surf style sends the message that we are not typecasting our artists, but looking for a variety of styles and subjects."

Reynolds learned to surf when living in Brookings, Ore. in 1983. He has traveled the world since then – Australia, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Japan and Indonesia – and often has used surfing as a way to connect with other cultures.

The ocean is the main subject of much of Reynolds’ work. Among his credits are 17 wakeboard illustrations across a six-year period.

“All my life I have been fascinated with visually communicating my thoughts and perceptions of life,” Reynolds said. “Surfing is a part of my life that makes me feel really alive, and gives me passion to paint. At the center of it all, though, I recognize God. He created all that inspires me and I give thanks to Him. He is the art of artists.”

Some of the pieces depict a series of surf moves which accurately depict the fluid surfer figures and at the same time incorporate the color and motion of the waves. But not all the work is surf-related. His largest piece is a jazz musician montage that seems to be the  favorite among Psalm Center musicians.

Eclectic influences enhance Reynolds’ knowledge of the physics of waves, including the color and light of American Impressionist John Singer Sargent, the chaos and comedy of Chuck Jones’ Looney Tunes, and the surf art of Rick Griffin, John Severson and Chris Lundy.

His professional career began by creating illustrations for interactive children’s computer games, and includes murals, t-shirts, logos and more for the non-profit Youth With A Mission.

Reynolds will be followed by month-long showings of three area creatives: Salem Artographer Daniel Markoya in December, photographer Mike Sullivan of Salem in January and Silverton photographer Larry Kassell in February. Salem Artist Herb Anderson will be featured in March, and the Corban-owned art collection donated by Roger Lemme in April.

--By Karen L. Willoughby