Meet Alberta-based Artist Eric Spoeth
Eric Spoeth is a mosaic and stained glass artist based in St. Paul, Alberta, Canada. He also works as a director in the Canadian film industry. You can find out more about him on Instagram.
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to your current city?
ERIC SPOETH: I grew up in the country on a strawberry farm. My parents were immigrants to Canada, and so I inherited the vagabond spirit as a young adult before eventually returning to the country.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?
My mission—like any other artist—is to share what has been given to me. We are fumbling around in the dark, and art is a way of extending our hand across time and space.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
The Christian church is, without question, the safe-keeper, gate-keeper and patron of the greatest art in history. It stands alone in its vision of human dignity and universality.
Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
Fellow artists are always supportive and encouraging, regardless of what their faith is. They recognize beauty and goodness wherever it can be found.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I believe the re-establishment of sacred art guilds that are specifically called on to revitalize the beauty of Catholic churches is necessary. It’s important to train and form artists first, then create opportunities for them to serve.
Where in your city do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
Since I don’t live in the city, my sanctuary is the little chapel on the land I live on. I have a brother who is a Benedictine monk. Before he joined the monastery, we spent several weeks every summer building a small Byzantine chapel with our dad. He continued providing spiritual support while I added to it bit by bit every year. It still isn’t finished, but I hope one day to see it complete. Otherwise, hopefully one of my children does.
How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in your city?
Mosaic is a medium that can be taught easily to those without experience, and so I’ve found joy in helping facilitate community mosaic murals. People of all ages, from little children to grandmothers, can all be proud of their little contribution.
What is your daily artistic practice?
Make something beautiful every day, even if it's just your bed in the morning.
How do you financially support yourself as an artist?
I do have a day job, and I recommend all artists have a backup job to support themselves. I work as a director and assistant director in the film industry. In Canada, we are lucky to have a number of arts grants that help artists pursue artistic work without the requirement of it being commercially profitable.
What is your advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
The best advice I can give is to volunteer at an organization that you would like to work within, or ask to shadow another artist that you would like to one day work with. When these mentors see your work ethic and desire to learn, they may take you under their wing.