2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition

Spencer’s artistic practice is deeply informed by her experience with chronic glaucoma and vision loss resulting from medical malpractice, prompting a profound exploration of the body, mind, and self. Spencer employs symbolic motifs in her work, including the evil eye, animals representing the circle of life, and playful icons like rubber ducks. Using a maximalist palette of warm and cool tones, busy patterns, and flat compositions, Spencer creates works that evoke unease and curiosity, reflecting the complexities of perception and memory. Spencer embraces abstract animal forms in ceramics, employing the hand-building techniques she began experimenting with during the pandemic. Her approach to sculpture echoes her thematic exploration of nature, repetition, whimsy, and play. Spencer’s inspirations include pop art, surrealism, abstraction, and the nostalgic patterns of vintage scarves. She often draws from her second-hand clothing business, incorporating textile-like patterns into her work. Beyond her studio practice, Spencer is committed to raising awareness about accessibility and advocating for individuals with visual disabilities. Spencer continues pushing her craft’s boundaries, merging painting, ceramics, and installation to create immersive experiences.

Spencer Strauss (b. 1998) is a contemporary painter and hand-building ceramist based in Asheville, NC. Spencer completed her undergraduate studies at Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Studio Art with a minor in Graphic Design in December 2021. She will receive her MFA in Fine Art from Parsons The New School in May 2025. During her time off from the academic setting, Spencer interned at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in Asheville, NC. The gallery represents over 100+ artists from all over the country and has over 25 shows annually. In the summer of 2024, Spencer interned at Eerdman’s New York, furthering her interest in vintage wallpapers and furniture.