Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Patrick.
Spencer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up knowing I could create, but never really wanted to display it. I think it snuck out of me in forms other than visual art, like humor. I went to a high school that was very focused on athletics, which influenced my decision to begin playing hockey. I ended up playing in college; it was the goal from the start. It wasn’t until I actually got there that I realized how unfulfilling it was.
I began creating in 2016. This initially took the form of drawing in my dorm room while plotting my next moves. I ended up transferring schools and started painting once I got into a bigger place. At that point, I was making a few paintings a week. It was a magical time looking back at it. I was feeling more free as the days went on.
After attending Kent State University for a Bachelor of the Arts in Visual Communication Design, plus a minor in painting, I had over 200 pieces in my portfolio. With the pandemic easing up a bit, I had my eyes set on moving to New York City to be able to see, experience, and participate in the visual art capitol of the world. I made the move in 2021 and have been working ever since.
I currently work as a Graphic Designer at a real estate agency in downtown Manhattan and live in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. I have an art studio in East New York as well. This is where I work on my current pieces and focus on growing my company, PARCHPAK.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Leading up to me going away for college, my father’s health began to decline. While being away, there was always guilt that I was not home enough to help out where I could. There were some insane nights that tested my faith, but ultimately my father passed right when the pandemic hit in 2020. This was a year before I graduated college.
I’ve learned that the struggles are something that you have to go through, not around. Working through the different elements of grief only make you stronger. I believe that a lot of these lessons can be seen in my work, reflecting on how I reacted and where I’m at in my life now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in painting under PARCHPAK. This is my main focus right now. I create abstract expressionist pieces that explore my interpretation of events throughout my life. I like to display lessons I’ve learned, people I’ve seen, everyday conflict, romance, etc.
I have created my own world in my style. PARCHPAK is a world where anything can happen. Truly a safe space. I represent the figure in both a literal way but also abstracting features that embellish the story being told. While there is a lure to the story, the compositions begin with a design that mimics the energy of the experience. Then the elements are curated into the energy flow.
I am most proud of how far I have come, but I also am proud of how I have maintained my drive to create. Even on nights that the juices aren’t flowing, I am able to put in the work to create something useful, even if not at the time. This is where I have been able to try new things and adapt to the current trends in culture. A good artist really just holds a mirror up to the viewer; they see themselves in your work through what they can relate to.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t expect anything to be given to you. If you want it, you’ve gotta go get it.
Contact Info:
- Website: parchpak.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/parchpak
Image Credits
PARCHPAK
