‘Beyond the Veil’ series
SCOT ALPERT ...creating a feeling of peace and grace. <strong>LIVE</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> by Levvy Carriker SCOT ALPERT is one of those people you immediately recognize as someone who is centered and confident. I met Scot last year and learned recently that his art is showing at West Elm in downtown Palm Springs. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, what better way to introduce your art to the city than to have a gallery pop up shop in one of the newest and hippest stores in town.” Levvy: I am always curious of that moment when an artist realizes that they just have to create, no matter what! Scot: I was born with the urge to create. It is one of many things that really feeds my soul. I believe it is a gift, one that I hold sacred. The best part is the joy it brings to others. Art is my passion, and after all of these years, I have watched my talents evolve into manifestations, not even I could've imagined. “Art can change your life forever”, by dear friend Gordon Locksley use to say, and I plan to inspire many with mine. LC: Is there a specific artists or person in your life that had artistic influence on you? SA: Wow, that is a loaded question, there have been many. Gordon Locksley, who was a famous art dealer, helped to teach me the business behind being a successful artist. As you know it takes more than talent to make it in this world. Kevin Unbehagen, mentored me in the grace of Design and Art, Tim Coderall, My Father, Salvador Dali, Rembrandt, and so many loving friends, like Brenda Martin, Rondine Volpert, Gina Modica the list goes on and on. I am so grateful for all of them, and the countless lessons I learned by there side. These gifts of knowledge and wisdom have truly shaped the person I have become today.. LC: Who influenced you mostly in your business life? SA: That would have to be my Father. He taught me what it took to own and run a successful business. My Father taught me how to negotiate a contract, the art of being a master salesman. He taught me what it meant to be a leader, and how to assemble a team of employees that would help me to manifest my vision of success. This knowledge has served me my entire life, and has helped me to teach this to others. As you know, it takes a village! LC: I read somewhere that you were a master of faux finishing. Tell us about that and where that journey lead you. SA: At the age of twenty three I taught myself the centuries old craft of Faux Finishing, and Tromp-l’oeil and opened my own business. This gave me the ability to stay creative, while making a living. In my first year in business three of L.A.’s best interior designers took me under their wing, and mentored me in all aspects of the business of interior design. In those years I was given the opportunity to create extraordinary art in some of the most exclusive estates all over Southern California. LC: A friend of mine said he thought he saw your work in a number of home decor magazines. Would you tell us about those articles? SA: During those years I was honored to have been published in a number of home decor magazines. Most of them reflected my work done in A.S.I.D. and I.S.I.D showcase homes In Pasadena, Malibu, Calabasas, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. One of my favorites was the Charlie Chaplin, Cecil D Demille estate. I co-designed the living room with a designer named Marsha Broderick. The home was haunted. One night I was up late at the estate faux finishing the ceiling. I kept feeling this presence over my shoulder, but when I would turn to look no one was there. It was almost like Charlie was there inspecting my work. It gave me the chills all night long. I also had moments of deja vu during that project. These moments always remind me that I am on the right track in life. Our power is always now! LC: When did you move to Palm Springs and how did you settle in here? SA: In 1995 I moved to Palm Springs and opened my own interior design business. In Palm Springs I created interiors for clients from all over the globe. From Carmel, CA to Rancho Sante Fe, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL, and 200 hundred estates all over the Coachella Valley. I soon found that my greatest satisfaction came from creating environments for my clients to recreate themselves in. During that time many of my clients needed art to complete my designs. This was a wonderful way to feed the artist in "I create my art after meditation, and my hope is that I will paint something that will inspire" while I was designing. LC: That is a lot! Was there a time that you felt you needed to create art in place of design? SA: In 2009 I closed my design business and started to create art full time. During this time in my life I became ill with a disease. Let's break down the word dis-ease, or a lack of ease. This realization really opened my eyes to how stress had changed my health for the worst. Soon I was receiving diagnosis from my doctor that I did not want to hear or believe. I knew in my heart that I could overcome this awful news, and taught myself to meditate. I started to meditate everyday. I slowed my life down, and learned how to BREATHE again. I became very focused on my health, mood, diet, and general well being. Life sometimes gives us great opportunity to learn lessons while going through a painful time. This was one of those moments. Meditation helped me to really appreciate my life. I spent many moments filled with gratitude. I learned to live my life as if each day was my last. This brought back a peace of mind I had forgotten. Many call it the hero’s journey, that eighteen inch journey from the head to the heart. For me it was joy rising through my pain. LC: I love the blue art piece that reminds me of the ocean in one case and a portal in another. These pieces speak to me in the sense that you get a feeling of calmness snuggling with a current of new. Was there a particular feeling you were invoking or perhaps telling a personal story of mood? SA: Thank you, I create my art after meditation, and my hope is that I will paint something that will inspire, as well as create a feeling of peace and grace. LC: That takes me to your, ‘Beyond the Veil’ series. Tell us about that series. SA: This art takes the viewer on a journey, telling a story as you gaze upon it. Just when you think you have seen it all the art morphs into something else. This leaves the viewer to ask themselves the question, that life is not always what it appears to be. There is always something more, like peeling away the layers of an onion. I like to say I am revealing what you might find, ‘Beyond The Veil’. LC: How many original pieces of art do you have and what are you working on with them? Can someone buy a print? SA: I currently have over a thousand pieces of art in my inventory. 123 pieces of my art are currently available on my website. www.scotalpert.gotartwork.com. The art can be purchased in many forms: box canvases,on polished steel, panels fabric card . All are signed and numbered limited editions of about 300. On <strong>March</strong> 4th, I was honored to be showing my art at West Elm Palm Springs. It was a huge success, and I wish to thank Brenda Martin, Bryan Gallo, and KMIR news, and all who helped me create this fun time. In the future I will be showing again at West Elm Palm Springs, and in Beverly Hills. I will be advertising the dates on social media soon. LC: Finally Scot, do you have any advice for up and coming artists? SA: Wow, yes, be easy on yourself. Never stop believing in yourself. Take yourself off the hook, and enjoy your gift. Follow your bliss, and remember you are worthy beyond description. Stay focused, and you will manifest your dreams, and dreams you never thought of. Remember life is meant to be lived joyfully, with respect, and compassion shown to all. LC: Thank you Scot Alpert for this enlightening interview and for introducing us to your wonderful art! SA: Levvy thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share my talent with your readers. You have a beautiful soul Levvy, and I am grateful for your friendship. Cheers.