Michael E. Scott
Michael E. Scott and his artistic family began their journey into the world of Alaskan art history when they moved to Alaska in 1969. He learned most of the basics of art from his late father, Ed Scott, who was a very talented artist. From about the age of 5 Michael showed advanced skills in drawing, particularly of wildlife and cartoon strips, which ignited the imagination and allowed his natural ability to form, build and create such detailed eye pleasing art.Learning the basics of old ivory and fossil bone carving from his Native Alaskan friends, he honed his talents into even more beautiful, meticulous art work. Then, stone sculpturing was introduced to Michael in 1987 by the famous Guy S. Maclure, a prominent Alaskan sculpture artist. To this day, Michael still uses the techniques he attained from his mentor. He is one of the last sculptors in Alaska who still works with marble, soapstone, fossils and other semi-precious stones.
Michael broadened his carving skills into the wood world, for him, a very smooth and effortless transition. He competed twice in the California Open, a national level woodcarving championship, winning blue ribbons both times. Most recently, he competed in the “Ward World Championship” woodcarving competition, earning him “Honorable Mention” for a blue fronted Amazon parrot named “Jake”. It is now perched and proudly displayed in Duane’s Antique Market to this day. His sought after carvings are spread throughout Alaska, in homes and businesses. For many years he provided carved stone trophies for the Kenai River Classic; mostly of jumping salmon, swimming salmon and of fishermen. Kuukpik village proudly displays a huge red cedar mask he carved for the village chief, in honor of the oil discovery. Northern Air Cargo, one of Alaska’s largest intra-state air freight cargo companies, a key player for transporting research materials for the oil discovery, also, grace their walls with a few of Michael’s carved wooden mask artwork.
Mr. Scott had the lifetime opportunity to work with the late Governor Walter Hickel, founder of The Institute of the North’s highly esteemed “Robert O. Anderson Sustainable Arctic Award.” Michael carved the awards presented to those whom were recognized. That organization recognizes individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions towards sustainable development within the Arctic. Recipients include:The late Senator Ted Stevens honored in 2004,The President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson honored in 2007,Vincent Ostrom honored in 2003, and The late Governor Walter Hickel. Throughout his career, Michael has carved numerous political awards. He dabbles in oil paintings consisting of mountain scenes and of Catholic saints. Adding to his plethora of skills is scrimshawing, which is well known among Alaska’s artistic community and art seekers. His preferred material for scrimshawing is on old mammoth ivory, adorned with whaling scenes and old whaling ships; the detail is impeccable and impressive.
Recently, he has taken up silversmithing, working with gold, as well as cutting and creating jewelry using a variety of gemstones.Only Michael knows what will be next!! He surely is a creative artist worth keeping an eye on!!
