Written by Amelia Pontifex
~
Carita Farrer Spencer is an abstract artist who celebrates beauty and quirkiness in equal measure. Growing up surrounded by performers and artists, artistic expression runs through Carita’s veins.
Bold Bouquet | 53 x 71cm | Acrylic on wood
Like a sweet, aromatic and colourful cocktail or a tonic for the soul, Carita’s intricate botanical and figurative scenes are soothing to the senses and an escape for the mind. Her mixture of edible colours, signature twist of outlining shapes and layering of elements make her work uniquely hers and create an individual visual connection to each viewer.
Carita Farrer Spencer
Carita’s works evoke a variety of emotions of happy memories on holidays, summers in the sun and cool spots in the shade, common to many Australian holiday experiences. As well as imbuing a sense of clarity and calm amongst the chaos, there is a sense of finding a haven or a paradise escape, even if it’s just dreaming.
Loud Queen | 120 x 120cm | Acrylic on canvas
Growing up in Rockhampton and learning how to paint from her grandmother during the night when it wasn’t too hot, at the heart of Carita’s works is her love for finding a cool and quiet oasis.
Carita used to spend hours in her grandmother’s garden.
“There were palm trees and pathways and you could walk around in circles like a maze. So the oasis for me is personal. The idea of escaping. And wanting to have that contemplation of sitting and finding new things to see. The lushness and the luxurious.”
Proud Queen No 2 | 53 x 71cm | Acrylic on wood
There are a number of influences and inspirations that inspire Carita’s work.
“When I paint it feels like playing Jazz. It’s a language. A conversation. Sometimes whispered, sometimes loud and boisterous but always rich with layers and full of surprises. These improvisations are influenced by what I see in the world around me, or a current obsession I have or the mood I’m wanting to conjure. I use conscious interior design themes and colours but these are always expressed with complete spontaneity. There’s a newness in each improvised layer that can only come from where I’m at, in that moment. I put my heart into each painting in the hope that the work will find its way into someone else’s heart and home.”
Ginger Tonic & Thyme | 110 x 140cm | Acrylic on canvas
Carita is often inspired by words, quotes as well as Australian artists such as Charles Blackman. Blackman is a huge inspiration for Carita. His playful and partly naive works touch on Surrealism in their contradictory, emotive and sometimes humorous style. We also see an influence in the works of Bromley on Carita’s work in her adoption of strong black lines and striking colour compositions.
Then in 2002, David Bromley completed a portrait of his greatest hero, Charles Blackman, for the Archibald Prize. This for Carita, was an intersection of her two greatest influences.
“To me, it’s fascinating, [Bromley] is a no rules kinda guy. He’s polarising. And so deeply influential.”
Majesty | 53 x 71cm | Acrylic on wood
“I always walk past the Bromley Art Gallery on Chapel Street and one time I discovered a wonderful collaboration between Bromley & Blackman. I really respect Bromley’s ability to put aesthetics together with a sense of eclectic harmony.” .
After studying acting and passionately dedicating many years to acting, Carita made the decision to return to her first love, painting. Although she is still in demand as a performer and currently starring in “The Heartbreak Choir” for The Melbourne Theatre Company.
Proud Queen No 1 | 54.5 x 71.5cm | Acrylic on wood
“A lot of research goes into my commissioned works. I take my time to research and do mock ups, mapping out and making sure I’m happy at every step. It’s a subconscious mosh pit. It is a bit impro. I’m quite eclectic and I can adapt to different briefs but my passion is exploring – in every sense.”
Something that I took away from my conversation with Carita that really stuck with me, is that “an artist, is an artist, is an artist. We need them, and we need to be artistic.”
Carita Farrer Spencer’s works can be viewed online on the Art Lovers Australia website or in person as part of the ‘Fiercely Feminine’ exhibition this February in our Art Lovers Australia Melbourne Gallery.
Visit Carita’s shop & see more of her art
~
FREE DELIVERY AUSTRALIA WIDE
1,000+ ARTISTS
SAFE & SECURE PAYMENTS | 7 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
