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lorica series
The lorica series takes its title from a Latin word referring to body armor. Several types of roman armor were called lorica and used metal scales or ribbed scales constructed in an overlapping fashion to protect the torso. Additionally, the term is used to describe overlapping scales and feathers of reptiles and birds. This work is inspired by architectural shingling of roofs and siding (also a type of protection), while the content of the photographs used to create the images are urban steel security roller doors.

Each lorica is a photographic assemblage of cut/overlapped 1 x 1 in. or 1/2 x 1 in. pieces of C-print photograph. Multiple copies of a single 35 mm photographic image are used to achieve the content in each work. The sizes range from 10 inches square (constructed with 400 1/2 x 1 inch photographic pieces) to 30 inches square (constructed of 3500 1/2 x 1 inch photographic pieces). Each assemblage is finished with an acrylic spray to unify the image, and then mounted on paper.

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parquet (urban) series
This series of photographic assemblages is inspired by the inlaid patterns found in furniture and flooring design. Reflected in this body of work is our interest in exploring the use of traditional artisan techniques and applying them to our personal sense of composition and perception.

Each work is based on a single photographic image. The elements used are urban architectural facades or utilitarian surfaces of steel, aluminum, glass, wood, masonry, stone, fabric, plastic, paint and paper. The photographs are then reproduced, cut, parqueted, sprayed with matte acrylic and mounted on paper.

Images sizes are 12 inches square mounted on 16 in. paper or 18 inches square mounted on 22 inch paper.

The result combines common images and serial repetition to create works that are spare and peaceful or rich and optical depending on the content of the original photograph.

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facade series
This series references the figurative use of the word, “facade” (a false-front) by combining photographs of the exteriors of buildings along with cut and painted extensions of the image to create a virtual facade.

Materials are photograph, paper, paint and pastel. Image sizes are 15 inches or smaller.

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Contact Information
tel: 215-413-3644
e-mail: debandallen@comcast.net
www.spencerandimler.com
Please contact artist or gallery for purchases, commissions, etc.

Artist Statement
Our work reflects a long collaboration in all aspects of our lives. We enjoy how that takes shape as we approach each medium and theme that interests us. We gravitate toward mediums that enable us to work together while expressing our individual interests, style and technical skills.

Currently those mediums include combining photography, paper and paint, photographic assemblages on board and paper and acrylic paintings on canvas.

We are particularly intrigued by the role of “chance” in our work, which we feel enhances and is enhanced by our ability to work jointly.

We try to create work that reflects the sense of peace, simplicity and order that we value in our daily lives

Awards
2006
Purchase Award, Jersey City Museum, Perkins Center for the Arts

2005
Jurors Award, Works on Paper, Perkins Center for the Arts
Juror: Fred Adelson

Adam Spandorfer Memorial Award and Albert Schultz Memorial Award, MCGOPA Mixed Media Exhibition
Juror: Susan Moore

Yvonne M. Kelly Memorial Prize for Mixed Media, Woodmere Museum 65th Juried Exhibition
Juror: Gregory Amenoff

Collections
PUBLIC and CORPORATE
Jersey City Museum, Jersey City, NJ
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ
Newark Public Library, Newark, NJ

Publications
2007
Best of America Mixed Media Artists & Artisans, Vol 1
Kennedy Publishing

2006
Brochure Cover, Perkins Center for the Arts Works on Paper exhibition
2006 Calendar, cover, Inliquid Art/Design Network

2005
2005 Calendar, Inliquid Art/Design Network

A Show of Hands 15, MANNA Art Auction Directory

Selected Exhibitions

2008
Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2008, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA

Is it possible to make a photograph of New Jersey regardless of where you are in the world?, Pierro Gallery, South Orange, NJ

2007
Pink at Perkins, Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ

Art of the City, Art in City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

Minimal Works Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

2006
Works on Paper, Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ

The White Building, Philadelphia, PA

Exhibit 3, InLiquid at the Bride, Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA

66th Annual Juried Exhibition, Woodmere Art Museum, Chestnut Hill, PA

2005
Works on Paper, Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ

A Case for Art, Philadelphia Sculptors, Philadelphia, PA

63rd Annual Awards Painting Exhibition, Cheltenham Art Center, Cheltenham, PA

Collage and Mixed Media Exhibition, Montgomery Co. Guild of Professional Artists, Conshohocken, PA

142nd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA

Water, Water, Everywhere, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA

65th Annual Juried Exhibition, Woodmere Art Museum, Chestnut Hill, PA

Works on Paper 2005, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA

Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA

Other
2007
inliquid benefit v.7.0, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA

A Show of Hands 17, Manna Art Auction, Philadelphia, PA

2006
inliquid benefit v.6.0, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA

June at the Bride: A Night at the Savoy, Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA

A Show of Hands 16, MANNA Art Auction, Philadelphia, PA

2005
A Show of Hands 15, MANNA Art Auction, Philadelphia, PA

2004
inliquid benefit v.5.0, The National Building, Philadelphia, PA