Spencer Shakespeare is a character. With a spritely British accent (despite his 27 years in Australia) he is an affable, twinkle-in-the-eye sort of bloke. Now based in the Tallebudgera Valley, in the Gold Coast hinterland, Spencer creates bold abstract paintings and mixed media works, buzzing with vibrant positive energy. Like so many creatives, the path to where he is now has been a winding one.

Born in Whitechapel in London (‘when the Beatles were still together!’ he mentions) Spencer studied Natural History Illustration at Bournemouth College of Art + Design, following up with a degree in theology, and later worked as a missionary in India (!). Spencer’s career has taken a few twists and turns over the years, but painting has been a constant.

‘As a child,  I remember staying at my grandparents’ pub in Cambridgeshire when I was around seven years old, home ‘sick’ from school, and drawing everything I saw, and the things I imagined’ he recalls. ‘One Christmas, I received my first sketch pad and a box of artist pencils, as well as a book on drawing wildlife. From then on I knew I wanted to be an artist… I recently acknowledged, now in my late 40’s, that I AM AN ARTIST.’

2017 has brought about a newfound sense of focus and clarity for Spencer. Informed by themes including manifestation, positivity, love and empowerment, ‘SERAPH‘ brings together 12 new paintings of various dimensions, united by an intensely vibrant colour palette.

‘These artworks are inspired by the gift of life, the mystery, the romance, the light, the music…’ the artist elaborates. ‘ The natural world is like the best type of magic… whether it presents itself as a friend, or as a mystical creature, it has me covered’.

All the works in Spencer’s upcoming show are now pictured on the TDF Collect website.  We are accepting pre-sales for the show from today – all enquiries please email elle@thedesignfiles.net – Thankyou!

Seraph by Spencer Shakespeare
May 27th to June 1st 2017
Opening drinks Saturday May 27th, from 2.00pm

TDF Collect
14 Little Oxford Street
Collingwood, Melbourne

This exhibition is generously supported by Dulux, Cervezas Alhambra, Capi, and The Drinks List!