Contributed by Charice Chambers
Spring is in full flower at the Mat-Su Senior Center Services Gift Shop, due in no small part to the efforts of local artist, Kristen Spencer. Kristen has made it her goal to turn the garden into a destination rather than just, well, a garden. To that end, she creates a variety of whimsical garden art pieces. Her dish flowers, an assembly of vintage plates, cups and saucers attached to elongated stakes, add a splash of color and interest to any planting as well as creating focal points in the yard or garden. Each creation has a distinct personality waiting to be "transplanted" into the space of its dreams. She hopes to make gardens inspiring destination that soothe the souls of all who enter them.
This was not always Spencer’s dream. Her professional background was in radio broadcasting and community outreach. For 13 years, she facilitated a crime prevention program for the Anchorage Police Department. Then in 2012, she moved to her cozy cottage-turned-studio, changing both her locale and the direction of her life.
Spencer does all of her work using basic hand tools and a small cordless drill. Dish flower heads are “drilled” with a grinding bit and attached to their stake with a machine screw. Some pieces are “glued” with 100% silicone that is ideal for Alaska. “I guess what’s most appealing about this to me, is that I’m never quite sure how something will come together. I swap different pieces and parts around until a combination just sparks, or 'does the polka', so I often end up a bit surprised by the outcome myself.”
While the artform itself isn’t new, Kristen’s own sense of imagination and style is beginning to emerge… and not without its challenges. Rarely do any of her sculptures just fall into place. Some sit incomplete for months waiting to be paired with some particular addition that will make just right. Consequently, each of her creations is unique.
In addition to her dish flowers, Spencer also creates garden totems, bird feeders and birdhouses for the garden. Reusing and repurposing, the essence of her art requires a realignment of thought processes. One must see beyond the original function of the item to its potential as a beautiful memento that can evoke fond memories, and then build from these. Creating surprise and delight is Spencer’s goal.
Spencer is a long-time Alaskan and avid gardener who gained her skills and appreciation of the soil’s bounty from her mother. It is her sincere hope to enrich your gardening experience by creating a special garden destination on your own property. Many of her plate flowers and garden art may be found at the Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street across from and adjacent to Palmer Junior Middle School, the Shop is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday through Friday. Come see Palmer’s best-kept secret!
