Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Carter.
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been creative and excelled in art at a young age. 2003, I moved to Atlanta to attend the Atlanta College of Art (now Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta). I received my BFA in painting but spent most of my time socializing and doing anything that would keep me out of the classroom. However, I discovered that I enjoyed making physical objects in my senior year. I also met my future wife, who was pursuing her MFA in sculpture then. At this point, I became invested in my work and truly felt inspired for the first time. This led me to pursue an MFA in Sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I graduated in 2011. Since finishing my MFA, I’ve pursued my art practice, had numerous solo exhibitions, and attended residencies such as Crosstown Arts here in Memphis, Kohler Arts/Industry, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, among others. Outside of my personal art practice, I’ve worked as a fabricator, installer, and AV tech for artists and art institutions in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Memphis. I’m currently an Assistant Professor and Gallery Coordinator in the Department of Visual Arts at Christian Brothers University. I maintain a 1600 sq foot home studio primarily focusing on digital fabrication methods such as CNC routing, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For most people, being an artist is a challenging road. It can be delightful and rewarding but is profoundly reflective and requires time and energy. This has meant taking many risks and becoming comfortable with some instability. Being an artist and maintaining full-time employment can be draining. Since finishing grad school in 2011, I’ve relocated to two different cities, renovated two houses, and held numerous jobs in the arts. During this time, I’ve always put my art practice first, often at the expense of financial stability and social life. This lifestyle has caused much stress and anxiety over the years but has led to opportunities and advancement of my artwork. Ultimately, my art practice is a source of happiness, and I can’t imagine a scenario where I’m not an artist, even if that means my life will be simpler and more stable.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m primarily an object maker but also a musician interested in synthesis and analog electronics. My work involves a deep dive into materiality and process, often manifesting as large-scale site-specific installations, standalone sculptures, and interactive objects incorporating electronics and sound. I utilize experimental approaches to manipulate traditional and non-traditional art materials. I focus on digital fabrication methods like 3d modeling, CNC routing, laser cutting/engraving, and 3d printing. I have recently started incorporating circuit design and audio electronics into my sculptural work. I’m somewhat unique in my approach to making. Still, if anything sets me apart, it’s how I synthesize various personal interests, techniques, and processes. My current body of work combines my interests in formal sculpture, furniture design, electronics, and sound in an inherently unique way since all of this accumulated information has been filtered through my aesthetics and lived experience.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a big animal lover, and if I had not pursued a career in the arts, I would likely have been working in a field related to animals. Since the pandemic, my wife and I have been fostering for a local rescue and have hosted and adopted over 50 cats and a handful of dogs. During that time, we’ve had some “foster fails” and a sizable crew of furry family members! I’ve often dreamed of moving our studios to a more rural area to have more space to work with animals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scottacarter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcarter.art/
Image Credits
Portrait of artist courtesy of Savannah College of Art and Design. Pictured artwork is by Scott A Carter. Images 1-8 courtesy of the artist. All artwork is by Scott A. Carter. All rights reserved Scott A. Carter 2024.
