Campfire Embers.jpg

BAKER CITY — When Richard Springer pieces together his art, he always has another artist in mind.

“He worked with very heavy textures,” Springer said of Tom Blodgett, the artist who he apprenticed under for five years in Eugene.

Springer’s own works rise from the frame — carefully constructed images made with pieces of foam and epoxy resin. Stand back and an image emerges — a cat in one, dancing campfire flames in another. Step back or to the side and you might see something else.

“Everywhere you move you get a unique experience,” he said. “It’s how I use line and shape to create space — how I want people’s eyes to move.”

He happened upon this art form by accident.

“I was running around an art store and found foam,” he said.

He cuts the colored foam into smaller shapes, then places each to create his image. Then he pours epoxy resin over the entire piece for a glossy finish.

“There’s a strong sense of visual movement, then spaces start to form and stories form in the spaces,” he said.

Springer works in acrylics and glitter. To see his works, visit springerartworks.com or Springer ArtWorks on Etsy, which also features art by his wife, Brandi.