SCOTT SAMPLE

Art tells a story. When I’m inspired to create a piece, or even a whole series, it’s rare that I know the exact outcome; in fact, it never seems to be the exacting initial vision that becomes the piece. Process always seems to determine the direction, like a fluid dance. Creating art is so much about the process; what happens along the long and convoluted road to completion is the fabric that will ultimately tie people together through it. Art becomes this dynamic beautiful vessel for binding us together with experience and meaning. It’s really in the telling of the story that we find an open door into the hearts of others. Art can be where a new understanding is gained and from where true imagination springs. The core of my work, and what I’ve been seeing lately, is when I listen to artists talk about their work, whether it is a piece of music, a painting or craft, the meaning and purpose are best described by story. Real stories of how the art was created and, more so, what happens afterwards, the effect and impact upon others. The connections of what we create with creating meaning for others has become the bedrock of my work. Art has taught me that life is not always about what we bring, contribute, or add. Often, it’s what we take away, or don't say, that makes a moment sublime. When the winds are calm, you can often see an amazing reflection of nature’s brilliance on the surface of the lake. Creating art is a continual process of moving forward, pulling back, and looking for the image and the whole story. This ebb and flow is the core of my inspiration. Such tension compels me to bring image and spirit to life through painting. Many of my works are constructs, building visual concepts with materials like oil on plaster, wood, copper, and glass. I am intrigued with letting the materials help determine the process and tell a story. This organic method allows me to look inward for meaning, embracing the tools of metaphor, icon, symbol, and words. I enjoy creating works that are approachable, and with meanings to peel back and uncover over time. By deconstructing themes larger than ourselves the work communicates something deeper than the material world around us. Within my paintings I strive to create a parallel sense of the present and the eternal, inviting the viewer into intimate questions of self. When the winds are calm, you can often see an amazing reflection of nature’s brilliance on the surface of the lake. Creating art is a continual process of moving forward, pulling back, and looking for the image and the whole story. This ebb and flow is the core of my inspiration. Such tension compels me to bring image and spirit to life through painting. Many of my works are constructs, building visual concepts with materials like oil on plaster, wood, copper, and glass. I am intrigued with letting the materials help determine the process and tell a story. This organic method allows me to look inward for meaning, embracing the tools of metaphor, icon, symbol, and words. I enjoy creating works that are approachable, with meaning to peel back and uncover over time. By deconstructing themes larger than ourselves, the work communicates something deeper than the material world around us. With my paintings, I strive to create a parallel sense of the present and the eternal inviting the viewer into intimate questions of self.