Artist
David Spear (local artist)
Year:
2015
Materials:
oil on board
Poster size:
30″ x 18″
About the artist
David Spear received his BFA from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and his MFA in painting from University of Missouri-Columbia. As a resident of Columbia since 2000, Spear has works on display throughout the city and has previously collaborated with the Office of Cultural Affairs on works at the Wabash Bus Station, Jefferson Middle School, and the traffic box on 9th and Broadway along with educational projects at the Fun City Youth Academy. Spear currently works on commissions and illustrations for a variety of clients and is an instructor in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
About the art
“This painting is a tribute to one of Columbia’s finest and most revered sons, John William “Blind” Boone. Boone was a man of extraordinary talents, worldwide fame and endless generosity, who overcame great obstacles and fought through adversities with love, kindness and faith.
However, it has also been said that Boone was a madman on the keys and that sometimes he would play so strong he would destroy pianos. Legend has it that his depiction of nature in “The Marshfield Tornado” ensued fear and panic in the audience so much that some ran for cover.
Today our city is in the mist of rebuilding his house, which was once a home with an open door and endless melodies. Through our community’s historical restoration, we can once again celebrate the life of “Blind” Boone and use his legacy as a source of inspiration.” – David Spear
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