Thursday's Other Creative Soul: Scott Trent

Today's feature highlights Sculptor Scott Trent, whose passion for his own work as well as creating a platform that helps artists pursue their passions is inspiring and refreshing.

Name
Scott Trent

Education
MA – UTD, Arts & Technology, ABD, PhD. – UTD, Arts & Technology, with an emphasis in “Digital media based design that facilitates collaboration.”

Current City/Hometown
Dallas/Richardson

Tell me about your work in one sentence.
I am a metal sculptor, creating large and small scale work utilizing found metal, abstract. The project I am most excited about these days is the Henderson Art Project. I approach everything I do as a creation and the process is similar whether welding a metal sculpture or designing an event.

Describe your normal day. What would your *ideal* day be like?
I am passionate about my work and try to focus on meaningful, fulfilling, creative endeavors that stimulate my mind and pushes me physically. My day usually begins around 6 am, I’ve found a nice routine that begins the day working out, which might be running slow laps around the track or reading on the elliptical machine and days full of meetings with artists, business owners and community leaders who are making things happen in the art community. I love the conversations and the new opportunities that surface daily. In between are the details and logistics work that facilitate collaborative events. I seek activities that engage both sides of my brain.



What are your passions?
Communication, Creating, Competitive Sports (handball/squash), Design and sculpting. Teaching and nurturing others is also very important to me.

What are your goals?
To create a platform that helps artists pursue their passions. www.artistconsortium.org, www.hendersonartproject.com
As an artist my goal is to continue to create a body of work that explores the depths of my creativity. I can’t wait to see what this looks like in the years to come.

Who are your creative influences?
Muhammad Yunus, Gordon MacKenzie, Ira Glass, Dean Kamen

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
I believe the most influential experience in my life was my parents allowing me to express myself and encouraging me to think differently. This has been my most valued perspective that guides everything I do. I find it’s not about intelligence, but the ability to look at life differently and be able to consider all perspectives. It seems that most limitations are self imposed which can directly inhibit creativity.

Is there anyone that you really look up to as an inspiration?
I admire people who have a vision and can make it happen. Look for ways to overcome obstacles when the consensus is “NO.” Embraces unique thinking and appreciates creative ideas. But, maybe most important are those who can articulate their visions so others understand and are inspired to collaborate. I haven’t figured it out, but strive for this daily.

What motivates you on a daily basis?
I am happiest when I have a goal or project to work towards. The busier the better. My guilty pleasure will always be some form of food with sugar and fat. I love McDonalds, but primarily because of the efficiency and quickness of the food. It’s most difficult for me to eat healthy when I’m pushing myself work wise. Metal sculpting can be heavy lifting, hot and dirty. Nothing better than a burger, fries and a coke. (Of course, that was 30 pounds ago, so this summer the turkey sandwich and sparkling water might have to be the new “fast food.”)

What's your working style?
No breaks. Usually, all out. Up early and to bed early. Best time of the day is morning.

What are your websites/social networking links?
Facebook: Scott Trent, Henderson Art Project
Twitter: strent
Flickr: Scott Trent
www.hendersonartproject.com
www.scottrent.com
www.utdbox.com

Henderson Art Project heART Show

I was excited to find out that my painting, Across the Blue, was selected to be featured in the Henderson Art Project heART Auction. The Henderson Art Project (H.A.P.) is a collaborative effort between business and the arts in Dallas where all stakeholders prosper. The founding idea is our community benefits when the arts are supported and artists are able to pursue their passions. 2010 is the inaugural year for the H.A.P. annual event and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

All paintings in the auction will be sold for a set rate of $400, but, they have sought after work that is valued at least double the selling price. Here is another cool aspect of this event: 50% of the proceeds go to the artists and 50% go to the Richardson Humane Society. It’s important to note that this is a win/win solution to the old “Silent Auction – give work to raise money for a charity” current business model. Usually, the artists are not compensated, not promoted, and not even invited to the function; unless they pay the high ticket price to the event. Ugh. However, even though I'm "donating" my work for the heART show, I will be fully promoted, compensated $200, if they sell my work, and actually invited to be a part of the party.

The event is aiming to draw an impressive art crowd, shooting for 300-400 people and media attention should be fantastic. I really look forward to being a part of the H.A.P. and all of the exposure that will come along with this event, not to mention a fun party! Here's to supporting the arts in Dallas!