Member of the Month – Kamloops Arts Council
Full Name: Nathan Scott
Medium: Bronze
How long have you been doing your art: I’ve been a professional full-time sculptor for 26 years.
What got you originally interested in the art you do: I was always artistic, even as a young kid, but was never encouraged in my art. I dropped out of Grade 8 Art because I never wanted to be a ‘flaky artist on welfare!’ That was my whole impression of the Art Scene from a young age! After a 10-year stint in the Yukon of wild-living, I came back to my hometown of Victoria and needed to start fresh. I was hired by a muralist and was introduced to sculpting. I didn’t realize I could sculpt, but the first sculpture I created, a 4.5′ Gardener, I was forced to put in an art show and was surprised to sell 9 of them in that one week! From there I’ve never looked back!
What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I learned early on that people who are interested in art are even more interested in the artist behind it. That is something that caught me off-guard. I realized very quickly that I had to learn how to sell myself. They wanted to know the process, my passion, and who I was. It changed the way I marketed my art. I quickly realized you can’t hide in your studio all your life, hoping someone will find you! It was so important to do shows and answer people’s questions. It’s also a great way of finding out what people really want.
What is your favourite joke/quote: I would say “Just Get On With It!” You can blow smoke and talk about things all day long, but until you really get on with it, you’ll never do anything! The quote I’ve been pondering lately though is “What Could or Would You Do if You Weren’t Afraid?” Wow! That has rattled me!
What is something most people don’t know about you: I always look forward to winter so I can start a new needle-point project! I love the process of watching the image evolve and come into focus!
If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be, and why: It would be the process of clay-to-bronze. When people really understand all the steps involved, they then look at bronzes in a very different light. It’s not just ‘pouring bronze over a clay sculpture’ as some have surmised! I have taught these workshops and taken groups of people all the way through the steps and they walk away with their own bronze sculptures and it’s so rewarding! Maybe one day I’ll lead that workshop in Kamloops!
Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: I moved here in 2018 from the Island and wanted to connect with other artists. I’m not very good at connecting! I’m a real introvert! It’s easier for me to stay in my studio up on the mountain, but I realize that I do need to connect! I have certainly benefited from other artists who have encouraged me, and I do like to encourage other artists.