scott payne
BELOIT, WI
Some people collect trading cards, coins or stamps. Beloit-based artist Scott Payne, however, collects human skulls and bones. While it may seem odd, Scott has always had an eye for recycling items that he finds and turning them into art.
Scott got his passion for art at an early age by watching artists like Bob Ross and Bill Alexander create incredible work right before his eyes. He began drawing but his fascination with skulls and bones turned into his medium of choice. He now takes recycled items and combines them with the bones he acquires to create something that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a vertebrae lamp or a skull speaker, Scott can find a way to use obscure items and turn them into a unique statement piece.
DEVIATE is all about doing something different and Scott is doing just that. Don’t miss out on this event where you can see Scott’s bone pieces as well as tons of other unique pieces from artists across the region.
october 15
How would you describe your work?
My art is mostly from recycled items that I find at sales that I can mount bones to, making them useful and cool.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration mostly comes from a vision of how I am going to make something look cool, whether it's a skull speaker or a pen holder. I usually have a plan when I see the recycled item to modify.
How long does it take for you to do a piece from start to finish? Sometimes the items I make take a couple days or even a few hours depending on if it requires any painting or not, and dry time. I use as many local supplies as I can, because I need convenience to finish a project on time. I usually start with an item or skull and decide what direction I need to take. Skulls offer more imagination and have helped me with “artist block” because there are so many options.
Where can we find your work? My work is on Facebook under Studio SP and instagram under @payntedskulls, and I have done oddity shows near Chicago and Madison.
Is this your full-time job? If so, where do you work? I work at Woodward as an ops tech full time and work on my art projects when I get time. My studio is in my home.
What are your future goals for your pieces? I would like to see my art in more homes or in people's collections that they can enjoy and share.
What is your background? I started drawing at an early age, as well as my siblings, as it was a natural talent for our family. I continued on by learning from art books or shows like Bill Alexander and Bob Ross. I was always fascinated by skulls so later in life that (animal skulls in particular) became my medium of choice, whether painting on them or making something with them they always come out interesting.
What are you most excited about for DEVIATE?
I am most excited about being involved with a community show. People should come to DEVIATE to see what Beloit talent has to offer and to have fun.People should check out my booth at DEVIATE, otherwise they will miss out on some cool art.