Meet Scott Larson | Artist and Author of Notes from the Colorado Trail

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Larson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I founded Blue Bear Collective in 2012 with the mission of constructing positive social change through the act of giving away art. Because… Free art makes people happy! I believe art is a vehicle for creating a better, happier society by engaging individuals on a personal level, free from any measurable value. I’ve since distributed hundreds of works of art. I give away anything from stickers and drawings, to assemblages and “gallery quality” paintings. A portion of my earnings from art sales always goes to this end. Sometimes I’ll give my art directly to strangers, but, for the most part, I leave pieces in random places for community members to find, with a note on the back stating where the piece came from and that they are fee to take it home. I’ve even hung large paintings in restaurants and public spaces, during business hours, that are still there to this day. I’ve observed that people, in general, are not fully attuned to the public spaces they inhabit. Either they are on their phones or heading directly to their destination. I want people to wander and observe what is around them with the curiosity of a child and the expectation that they will find something beautiful and unexpected in the everyday spaces that their lives are lived.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artwork is largely intuitive. Rarely do I have a set idea of what I want to accomplish with a painting. I usually begin by making random marks on the painting surface. These simple marks act as a kind of inertia and can lead in all kinds of disparate directions — sometimes figurative works will emerge and at other times the painting will be abstract in nature.

I approach my life and art from a multifaceted perspective. I excel at finding connections between seemingly disparate objects, thoughts and ideals. To this end I read widely, walk long distances and seek out people and experiences that challenge my assumptions. A good example of how these tenets came together in one work would be my book, Notes from the Colorado Trail, about my 500-mile hike from Denver to Durango, illustrated with ink and brush paintings. What starts as a simple idea or goal leads to unimaginable outcomes, that would have gone unrealized without that first step.

I recently moved back to Boulder, Colorado and I’m so thankful to be back with family and friends and roaming the mountains that I love and are such a big part of my life. I’m so excited to begin my free art drops again and to hopefully find a like-minded gallery to exhibit some of my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to the mountains, particularly the San Juans. They take some time getting to from the front range but they are so worth it. If I just had a day in my hometown of Boulder, Colorado I would take them on a hike up Bear Mountain for a great view of the city and the endless mountains to the west. And then it would be off to Southern Sun for a celebratory beer and the best burger in town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Van Gogh has always been a huge inspiration. Yes, his art, but also they way he dedicated himself to his craft in hope that his paintings would offer joy and solace to people in need. His collected letters are a literary masterpiece and a must read for anyone looking to follow their passion in spite of the financial and emotional risks involved.

Website: https://dscottlarson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebearcollective/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueBearCollective

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiz0_qx5cK-aeNAP0AZwlg

Other: https://www.instagram.com/bluebearsnaps/