alumni My Turn
Take Five with Kynard Spencer Remembering EMU while teaching the future
Kynard Spencer (BAE73) is an inspiring artist with an eye for color and detail. A self-proclaimed “super 3-D” painter, Spencer depicts the Afican heritage with a unique, colorful and imaginative style. He also is an art teacher at George Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles and says he’s fortunate to have the chance to pass his knowledge down through the generations.
Eastern: What’s the most important thing you learned at EMU that’s applicable in your career today?
Spencer: Eastern taught me what art was all about. I was originally going for a major in biology, but I’d been drawing and painting for a number of years. I took a life drawing class and learned human bone structure and anatomy. Ten I started geting into exaggeration of body and form, using techniques like elongating and foreshortening in my work. I also learned a lot about color and started using rare combinations like purple and lime green. I learned how to create texture, sometimes using only my finger to spread the paint. Or a hair dryer to make it dry faster. College was a real highlighted time in my life.
Eastern: Which professor challenged you the most?
Spencer: I had Charles McGee as an art professor. He lit right into me over a self-portrait I’d done, so I asked to see some of his work. He had an exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts. I saw his paintings and it really changed my perspective. I began to look at people harder and became super 3-D. McGee challenged me to be more exact in my paintings, but also to use risky colors and shapes. It was really eye-opening.
Eastern: What inspires you when you’re short on ideas/ material?
Spencer: I can be inspired by almost anything around or within me. Everything can be seen in an artful way. Many everyday things that can be artful are taken for
by Leah Shutes
granted, such as fashion, advertising, construction, color, shape and so much more. I love music with rhythmic overtones and powerful venues. I love to combine my creativity with various tones and ranges heard in music. Looking at my work, you can see and feel the movement within each piece. I’m object- oriented, so I love to draw and paint people. Each person has a canvas full of spontaneous venues that tell a story or situation.
Eastern: If you could paint part of EMU’s campus as you remember it, what would the picture look like?
Spencer: McKenny Union was the spot when I atended EMU. Everyone gathered there to meet and talk to familiar friends and make new acquaintances. I met many members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at the Union, and became a member of this great fraternity. Many events including dances, Homecoming events, business meetings and recreation happened in the Union. Painting such a remarkable place would hold a special place within me.
Eastern: Art is a challenging (not monetarily rewarding) career. Who supported you?
Spencer: I supported myself while building a career in art. I was fortunate to become an art teacher, and to be able to pass along any kind of skills and information to my students. It is so rewarding to see one’s students achieve and never stop gaining knowledge. I currently work as a high school art teacher at George Washington Preparatory High School, located in south central Los Angeles. I’ve served as the department chairperson for the Visual and Performing Arts department for more than 20 years. I love my profession, and much credit goes to Eastern Michigan University for giving me the skills and education needed to become as successful as I am. Tank you, EMU. 3
Eastern | WINTER 2012 35
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