Interview
Jeffrey Spahr-Summers
Jeffrey Spahr-Summers is a native of Colorado. Jeff’s poetry and photos have appeared in numerous print and online magazines and anthologies.
He is the former publisher of Poetry Victims (2004 – 2014) and Snapping Twig (2013 – 2015) online magazines. He has published 21 books. He currently publishes poetry, flash fiction, memoirs, and historical articles.
Jeff is the founder of Cherry Publications in Boulder. He is also the editor and publisher of Jasper’s Folly Poetry Journal.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I started my artistic journey as a teenager growing up on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa. One of my sisters went to art school in South Africa, and I would often help her with her projects. I started doing paper mache, painting, beadwork, and colored wire boards. As an avid reader, by the time I was 14, I quickly settled on poetry and photography as my chosen art forms.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I often use my work to comment on social and political issues.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
"Some of both. I frequently take photography excursions with specific goals, like heading into the mountains, but sometimes I just do my photography at home. Many of my photos are taken on the spur of the moment in urban environments.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I am fascinated by AI art. I don't incorporate it, but it fascinates me just the same.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I use 35mm, 2 1/4 digital, and phone cameras. I use several digital photography platforms and applications; sometimes more than one on any photograph. I experiment, digitally manipulating many photos with double exposures, color, texture, and adding text.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art, to me, is a means of personal expression and therapy.”
“Poetry is a good medium for commentary, but photography is more versatile, offering different perspectives of expression.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share? Please also include any links to these (if applicable).
“I publish my photographs in numerous print and online magazines. There are links to these publications on my website. Currently, there are 3 of my photos on exhibit here. ”
Website: www.jeffreyspahrsummers.wpcomstaging.com
Instagram: @jeffreyspahrsummers
