Scott Carruthers

Scott Carruthers is an original and thought provoking artist who paints observations of life, the experiences of growing up along the life journey, and carves out a story.  We hear about him, his work, his studio -which he regards as a sanctuary-, his high flying bucket list and also learn how the best things in life aren't necessarily free!

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

My studio acts as a great sanctuary for me. I can spend a lot of time sitting amongst my artworks and current creations. Often sitting back thinking about what I’m working on, or concocting an idea, which usually involves me having a play with materials; anything from spray paint and clay, to broken guitars and chess pieces. I like to think most ideas are successfully executed... but I’d be lying! Nevertheless the experimenting is always fun. And when I’m not making a mess….I mean masterpieces, I stick records on, draw and play games on my iPad and generally potter about. The freedom I get from being a self employed artist is that I can pretty much pick and choose when I want to work, whether it’s a weekday daytime, an evening or during a weekend, I just flit in and out of the studio.

What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

A good coffee in the morning! I used to be a big tea drinker but my partner Janie is a bit of a coffee snob and it’s definitely rubbed off on me over the years. We especially enjoy a visit to Gloagburn Farm Shop at Tibbermore for breakfast on a weekend. A great place for eating and especially picking up quality produce, particularly Gin and bottled beers! A Sunday usually starts with an early game of Squash with my 16 year old son. It’s something we started doing together a few months back and It’s great to be able to share a sporting activity with him. We just play for the fun of it and the exercise and it’s not all about winning. But I do always win, let that be known.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

Usually my age. When I mention I’m 42, the general response is surprise!

Top of your bucket list?

Nothing could possible beat the opportunity to look back at Earth from spaceSpace travel. Nothing could possible beat the opportunity to look back at Earth from space. A sense of perspective on who and what we are, where we live, what we have. It would be a real eye opener not to mention completely awe inspiring.

In the likely event that I will never get to tick that off my list, it would have to be something more realistic like a driving tour through Italy and particularly Tuscany and along  the Amalfi Coast, stopping off at the best hotels along the route soaking in the amazing views and the finest of wines. That will do it for me. And I have promised Janie we will do it some day too, so I better make this list entry more of a priority than space travel.

Worst job you’ve ever had?

I’ve had many various jobs, mostly all could be classed as the worst, But if I have to single one out, it would be the temporary job at a Chocolate factory many moons ago. I was only there for four days, which was more temporary than it was actually supposed to be, but I could still smell the melted chocolate for weeks afterwards. I left swiftly in favour of another temporary placement, which was still very bad but not quite as bad! In that period of my life, my career ladder was more like an upturned bucket.

Who or what inspires you?

You can find inspiration in everything.

Tell us about the weekend you’d love to live again?

I recently went away on a weekend break to Berlin. I really enjoy city breaks, soaking in the history, architecture and culture of a European city can open your eyes and give you different insight into how other people go about their lives. Berlin had been on my wish list for a long time and I wasn’t disappointed. In fact I was more impressed with Berlin than any other place I’ve visited. Its recent history is obvious all around you, and what I liked is that Berlin doesn’t try to hide or cover up its past, despite a lot of it not being overly positive. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the newly created Topography of Terror museum documenting the atrocities of WW2 was insightful and incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever spent so long in a museum!

Then there’s the amazing street art that adorns buildings across the city, we walked for miles through each district, probably too much walking if truth be known especially considering the excellent tram system that was at our disposal. But I do find you get a real feel for a place by just walking through the streets and parks, enjoying fantastic street food along the way,  indulging in the best burger and beer in the world, and spending a long time (but not long enough) in a wonderfully quaint pub in Nikolaiviertel, a small historic part of East Berlin. There’s far too much to write about, but yes that was an amazing weekend and would happily do it all again as soon as possible.

What’s the best part about your job?

I enjoy all of the creative aspects of my job, particularly when things go well, but what really makes it worthwhile is the response my work gets from viewers, admirers and buyers. Knowing that someone appreciates artwork I’ve created is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

Perfectly poached eggs on toast….and a good coffee.

Complete this sentence; The best things in life are….

 …not necessarily Free. My iPad is one of the best things, and it was very much the opposite of Free!