Bio:
Scott Leipski was born in an army hospital in 1965 while his father served in the U.S. Armed forces stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. After his father’s tour of duty was completed, his family returned to their hometown of Waukesha, WI.
Later the Leipski moved to Tomahawk, WI. living in the north woods on the shores of Lake Alice. Where his family still runs a small resort.
After high school Scott attended Nicolet Vocational Technical College in neighboring Rhinelander, WI. enrolled in a cooking program. During this time Scott was exposed to the many art courses available that sparked his lifetime creative passion.
Graduating from Nicolet Scott then moved to Milwaukee, WI searching for employment and a better life. He landed in retail sales management working for a variety of boutique and big box retailers. Later moving with work to Illinois ending up in South Beloit, IL. All this time quietly exploring various art mediums. The desire to create art never lessened.
After 25 years of working in retail sales management, Scott Leipski made the decision to become a full-time artist in 2013. Unsatisfied working for corporate America he quit his job, sold his house in South Beloit IL. and moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was there in Gladstone, MI that he found a home with a suitable studio space and began his art career.
Since becoming a full-time artist, Scott has had numerous solo and group shows. His award-winning work is in domestic and international collections and institutions.
Statement:
Through sculpture I explore my fascination with vintage objects and the narrative they can create when assembled. I draw from ever-present memories and obsessions of my youth to evoke a sense of nostalgia. As a result, my love for whimsy is displayed often masking a deeper, sometimes darker narratives.
Employing press molds, I select and assemble chosen quotidian objects that convey my stories. My hope is that the work invites the viewer to draw upon their own experience and imagination in hopes of creating a mutual reminiscence.
Largely self-taught, I regularly explore new hand building techniques, glazes and non-traditional surface mediums. My belief is that the creative process is the most effective vehicle for artistic growth even when inspiration is low.
1. What are 1-3 books that have influenced your life? What are you reading or watching right now?
Reading:
Dune, Frank Herbert
Lord of the Rings trilogy, J R R Tolkien
Curiosities of Indo-European Tradition and Folk-lore, Walter K. Kelly
Watching:
Motherland: Fort Salem, Hulu
2. What are you currently working on? Are you able to create during the pandemic?
I’ve decided to focus on Sculpture in general rather than one medium. During the pandemic I have been developing my own processes in outdoor fiberglass sculpture. I hope to start exhibiting at art fairs beginning in 2022.
I found that creating was my only safe harbor during the pandemic. It was exactly why I chose to explore a new medium. To occupy my mind with new possibilities and problems to be resolved. I lost my father to covid and found myself completely derailed. But it was art that helped me to process and refocus.
3. How has failure set you up for later success? What was your favorite failure?
Ceramic is particularly brutal when it comes to failure. But it is a magnificent teacher if you choose to listen. I’ve learned more about myself and my art through failure rather than success.
I can’t think of one failure that stands out.
4. What is your most unusual habit?
I like the tv (on mute) and music playing in the studio. And everything that’s playing if familiar to me. I don’t listen or watch anything new while I’m working.
5. If you could have any painter, living or dead paint your portrait who would it be and why?
Jean Michel Basquiat
6. What is the most indispensable item in your studio/workspace/office?
My Slab Roller Table
7. When you feel overwhelmed or uninspired what do you do? What do you do to get out of a funk? What questions do you ask yourself?
Work. Work Begets work and sparks ideas. I try not to be too precious about the materials. Which can be hard depending on cash flow.
8. What do you see as the artist’s role through this difficult time?
I would hope that we bring some joy no matter how small. And a brief reprieve from the worlds problems.
9. Do you collect anything?
Work from artist friends. I love to trade work
10. What words of advice would you give to artists during this time?
Create for yourself.
11. In the last five years what new belief, or habit has most improved your life or studio practice?
I like creating series. They tend to give order to my time and set production goals.
12. Share an inspiring image.
pass
Scott's work is available on ARTSY as a part of the new online exclusive exhibition: Layered Daydreams
For more information about the work above visit ARTSY
James May Gallery
Dousman, WI
262-753-3130
www.jamesmaygallery.com
mail@jamesmaygallery.com
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262-753-3130