When we were in San Francisco, the famous San Fran fog had taken the day off in exchange for record setting heat.  But that didn’t stop us from experiencing it thanks to artist Fujiko Nakaya’s Fog Bridge.  There was something mysterious and magical about walking through the fog, then emerging into the bright sunlight.  In his work, self-taught artist Spencer Herr embraces the power of the emerging figure.

Roman Trip

Herr’s figures, starkly enshrouded within their backgrounds seem to be just breaking through the surface.  Or perhaps the opposite is happening.  Are they being enveloped by their surroundings?

Tally Mark, acrylic on birch panel, 48×36

Slow Draw, acrylic on birch panel, 36×48

Beloved, acrylic on birch panel, 48×36

Keeping the compositions simple allows the viewer to compose his own story.  Like stills from a movie whose story we do not know, we are left to ponder who these figures might be and from what place they are emerging.

Trip, acrylic on birch panel

To see more of Spencer Herr’s work, please visit his website.

All images via the artist’s website.