“Rethinking Lines” plakats

Spek is excited to announce that the ‘Plakats’ from the “Rethinking Lines” series are now available for purchase in the web shop. The prints are from the original 2018 series. “Rethinking Lines” examines semiotics and meaning making, while experimenting with a removal of narrative inherently found in graphic design. The concepts are executed through a deconstruction of typography. The series’ bold & distinguishable glyphs appear abstracted in form, but devolve from letterforms that originate from a designed font which has been deconstructed. The visual outcome of each poster presents a composition stripped of intentional meaning and narrative driven purpose. Currently available are the blue, black, orange, and yellow plakat. Visit the shop for more details on the prints. Limited quantities are available.

“SelfishLess”

Spek studio releases the limited edition “SelfishLess” screen print, which is now available for purchase in the web shop. The print is part of the “Less Series” that includes the “More is Less” print. The design was conceptualized to merge two words, “Selfish” and “Selfless.” The combination and merging of the two, creates a new word that better describes the natural and hopeful state of who we are and ideally want to be. Selfish is inverted to capture a true read of the word when taking selfies with the print. Being self “ish” is an innate human trait intended for survival and thus can neither be fully eliminated or “crossed out”, but should always be taken with cautionary measure. Make sure to check out the print’s details via the shop link.

‘Pressing On’ Exhibition

The “More is Less” print is currently on exhibition as part of ‘Pressing On: Prints by Members of Tiger Lily Press.’ The exhibition is being held at the Caza Sikes Gallery located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tiger Lily Press is a fine art printmaking studio who’s artists produce work across all mediums from etching, relief, letterpress, and silkscreen.

The exhibtion runs through the month of February. Exhibited artwork, as well as non-framed prints are available for sale. Visit the link to read more about the exhibition and Caza Sikes Gallery.
https://cazasikes.com/exhibition/pressing-on-prints-by-members-of-the-tiger-lily-press-66/

“More is Less”

The “More is Less” print is now available for purchase in Spek’s web shop. The design was conceptualized as part of the “Less” series and is a word play on famed architecht Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s famous quote “Less is More.” In many ways, the meaning of “More is Less” captures distinctly, my process as a designer & artist. Minimalism, can at times feel obscurely unnatural and easily misconstrued as unfinished. Nevertheless, I find great beauty in the discipline it takes as an artist, to remove excess and accept simplicity. Print details can be found via the shop link.

Spek launches website

I’m happy to announce the website is up and running. Aside from just getting general information about the studio, the site will work as an active blog updating viewers with Spek’s latest & upcoming works, exhibitions, findings & inspirations, client & customer stories, and most importantly, an online shop. All of Spek’s original artwork & merchandise can be purchased online and shipped directly to you, wherever you are. So make sure to sign up for the site’s updates and follow Spek on social media to get the latest announcements.

Spek Studio opens

Despite 2020 wrapping up to be one of the scariest, challenging, and uncertain years in quite some time, I remain inspired, curious, and excited more than ever in my art & design practice. Spek Studio represents the culmination of a lifetime of artistry, design study, printmaking craft, and business ownership. With 2021 on the horizon, I am optimistic about what lies ahead for myself, this new endeavor, and the country at large. Afterall, I can only expect forward progress after living through a pandemic, an uncertain job market, a toxic political landscape, and overall unease in our country’s cultural fabric. Through all of this, I am certain there isn’t a better, more important time than now to continue my practice and have a way to share my artistry with the world. This is why I’ve started Spek Studio and why I welcome you to it.