Year 3 Beech
Everett Spruill
1954 - present day
Everett Spruill is an artist who lives in America. He very kindly responded to an email from Miss Murray-Mower. He said he was so honoured to be chosen as one of our artists that he couldn't express in words how wonderful it felt to be selected. He sent lots of information to help Beech class with their work. He was also extremely generous in sending a large package full of postcard prints of his work so that every child in the class received their very own signed print. They were thrilled to be so lucky!
He told us about himself:
1. I've been a stamp collector all my life and use them in my art.
2. Studied piano as a child.
3. Sang tenor in the choir, love Jazz music.
4. Self-taught as an artist, no formal training.
5. I use recycled materials in my work, electronic parts as well as fabric and book pages.
6. Contrasting colours are an important element in my art.
7. My advice to young artists: experiment with various materials, practice drawing daily....good drawings lead to good paintings.
8. I collect African artefacts (masks and sculptures) that are also used as models for paintings.
9. I love Golf, Basketball, swimming, chess, and Michael Jordan.
10. My favourite artists are Romare Bearden, Pablo Picasso, and Jacob Lawrence
11. My favourite Jazz Musicians are Stanley Clarke, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane.
12. There is no such thing as "Bad" art.
13. I always wanted to own my own business, and art offered both an opportunity to create my own product, and leave an artistic legacy for future generations.
14. Studied Business at Berea College, Kentucky.
When you look at his work you can see how he has used collage to incorporate different elements of his life, such as his love of music and stamp collecting. We sent Everett Spruill some photographs of Beech class' work. He said," I love the children's interpretation of my work....it's also inspiring to see the transformation, their creativity. I am honoured to have been a part of your program."
