{"title":"Edward Spera","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"comp-l1850dpe\" class=\"comp-l1850dpe SPY_vo\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mesh-id=\"comp-l1850dpeinlineContent\" data-testid=\"inline-content\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mesh-id=\"comp-l1850dpeinlineContent-gridContainer\" data-testid=\"mesh-container-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"comp-l0qxy3nr\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-l0qxy3nr wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"line-height: 1.4em; font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eT\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ehe last time Edward Spera attended an art class was in eighth\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003egrade at 13 years old. It was eleven years later that he started to\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003epaint in earnest. After watching a documentary about wolves on\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eTV, inspiration struck, and he found some old art supplies in the\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eback of a closet, setting to work on what would be the first piece\u003c\/span\u003e of a prolific career that has spanned years and continents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eIt is no coincidence that Edward’s first piece was wildlife related.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eIn his younger years, wildlife TV programs and documentaries\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ecaptivated him. While on family trips in Northern Ontario, \u003c\/span\u003ewalking \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ethrough the woods, or even in his own backyard, Edward always\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eenjoyed watching wildlife. This hasn’t changed; however, his travels\u003c\/span\u003e have extended beyond the local, and are now global.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"line-height: 1.4em; font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eExcept for one or two early pieces, everything Edward paints is\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003efrom the wild. Using his own reference photographs for primary\u003c\/span\u003e subjects and secondary images which capture details not present \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ein the original photo. For Edward, photographs are a useful tool,\u003c\/span\u003e but they have their limits. Through painting, he strives to recreate \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ethe clarity of encountering these animals in their own habitat.\u003c\/span\u003e Seeing an animal in captivity does not compare to seeing it in the wild.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"line-height: 1.4em; font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThere is a spirit or essence to an animal that you see in the wild \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"comp-l1851z20\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-l1851z20 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ethat is just not there with a captive animal. There is a spark in the way an animal navigates the world on its own terms; whether it is \u003c\/span\u003esearching for \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003efood, caring for young, or interacting with other animals, they are always existing with a purpose in the wild. The shape, posture, and\u003c\/span\u003e muscle tone of an animal is very different in the wild when compared to their generally overweight and lethargic captive counterparts. Every line, curve and marking is representative of an individual animal’s history. Nature truly created something beautiful in the processes that have given way to the flora and fauna of the world, and Edward tries to mimic that beauty with each brushstroke.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eAs an artist, Edward always demands more out of every new piece. His ever-increasing penchant for detail is evidence of this. Hair for\u003c\/span\u003e hair, whisker for whisker. This exhausting attention to detail in his work is emblematic of his patience and desire to get things right. When people see Edward’s work for the first time, one of the most common elements they bring up is the eyes. For Edward, the eyes can give a \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.02em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003efalse sense of completion with a piece, which is why he leaves them for last. Conventional wisdom states that an artist should start with\u003c\/span\u003e the eyes, \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003esince they are a focal point. Edward leaves the eyes for last, so as he works on it the painting never feels quite complete; potentially one\u003c\/span\u003e hair \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eor one whisker away from completion, concerned that he will short change the detail that he is known for. Once a piece is complete, he never goes back to it. With his attention to detail, the potential for him to spend years on a piece getting every element “perfect” is not\u003c\/span\u003e outside of the realm of possibility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"color_36 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: 0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe thought process has always remained the same, trying to depict the animal in the most beautiful way he can, offering the viewer a\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.01em;\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eglimpse into that animal’s world with the goal being of inspiring those who see his work to be mindful of the animals that we all share the\u003c\/span\u003e world with, from the exotic animals in the far-flung reaches of the world, to the animals you see day-to-day in your own backyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kicking-back-otter-1000pcs","title":"Kicking Back - Sea Otter - Collector's Edition (1000pcs)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003eDiscover the perfect blend of art and fun with our 1000 piece puzzles in collector tins, featuring unique designs by renowned artists. Assemble these beautiful pieces to create stunning masterpieces. Add a touch of creativity to your collection today!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rule 1 Concepts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44108744851555,"sku":"R1C 01220","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0247\/9659\/4275\/files\/ASES-OTTER-FLAT_123182d4-ed31-40f2-93f4-2c3e0778ba50.webp?v=1775746167"},{"product_id":"im-bored-tiger-collectors-edition-1000pcs","title":"I'm Bored - Tiger - Collector's Edition (1000pcs)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003eIn this image, the penetrating gaze of a Bengal tiger at rest captures both the majesty and vulnerability of one of nature's most endangered species. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rule 1 Concepts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44108753567843,"sku":"R1C 36061","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0247\/9659\/4275\/files\/e16747_8277ba0775bc478e979a556a9f66f206_mv2.avif?v=1775746809"},{"product_id":"if-a-tree-falls-in-the-forest-grey-wolf-collectors-edition-1000pcs","title":"If a Tree Falls in the Forest - Grey Wolf - Collector's Edition (1000pcs)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003eCaught mid-step in a forest of fallen trees, this grey wolf evokes the stealth, intelligence, and quiet resilience of a keystone species in the wild. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rule 1 Concepts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44108754813027,"sku":"R1C 36060","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0247\/9659\/4275\/files\/e16747_7864e645c5984eab9032b89cbe6cdfa1_mv2.avif?v=1775747057"},{"product_id":"return-of-the-king-lion-collectors-edition-1000pcs","title":"Return of the King - Lion - Collector's Edition (1000pcs)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003eWith an unflinching stare, this powerful lion emerges from the Savannah grass, with a regal strength and quiet dominance of Africa's apex predator. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rule 1 Concepts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44108756058211,"sku":"R1C 36056","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0247\/9659\/4275\/files\/e16747_79936d73975443db953278f43ea12a34_mv2.avif?v=1775747161"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0247\/9659\/4275\/collections\/Edward-Spera-discovered-his-love-of-wildlife-art-and-photography-after-painting-an-image-of-a-wolf-from-memory-JS--scaled.jpg?v=1775746461","url":"https:\/\/jigsawjungle.com\/collections\/edward-spera.oembed","provider":"Jigsaw Jungle | BuyPuzzles.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}