Art
Scott Cawood
Interview and Forward by Kerry Krogstad
Scott Cawood is a local self-taught artist and metal sculptor who primarily uses scrap steel as his medium. His work has been exhibited from NYC to Maui in galleries, museums and art spaces. His series “Blues Portraits in Steel” is ongoing at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale MS.
“I use scrap steel as my medium because its qualities best reflect what in many ways, define me. Scrap steel is unequal in expressing my prevailing idea of Transformation through Resurrection.”
Scott lives and works in the historic iron working village of Antietam MD. His circa 1790 log house was built to house former ironworkers.
He is represented by The Gallery At 105, 105 S. Princess St. Shepherdstown. Galleryat105.com
- Kerry Krogstad Above Photo by C. Kurt Holter Piece Title: Sirens of TI
I found and bought my place in Antietam, June 1981. During that period, I’ve watched as Shepherdstown has grown. When I first came here it was a sleepy small town; an undiscovered haven of artists, writers, musicians and independent thinkers in general. It was like that all through the 80’s. In summer, dogs slept in the middle of German St. making traffic go around them. It was Mayberry with a seriously hip twist.
The 90’s were transformative, and the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) at Shepherd University brought with it a strong artistic energy that spilled over into the community. By 1998 there were actually 10 Art venues in town. The Golden Age.
9/11 was difficult everywhere but a diminished local art community remained. BOOM! Then the killer recession of 2008 nearly wiped all of us out. Eventually, the economy began to improve; slowly the art scene started limping back.
And just until recently, our Art community was beginning to recover some real bounce back in its step. Our gallery owners have been “all in” on rebuilding the town’s ‘Art Destination’ reputation and we all were encouraged to see things moving in a positive direction again.
Then the Coronavirus. As it stands, no one knows what’s next. Typically Art is the first thing to go when times get tight. I believe strongly in the local Art Community because there are many truly exceptional local artists in the area and just as importantly, a very dedicated group of gallery owners that provide the support system for them.
All of the local galleries are available online and will find ways to accommodate you. You need only to reach out. - Scott Cawood
Local, Privately Owned Work
This glass table with sculpted steel tree legs compliments a home surrounded by trees overlooking the Potomac River.
The school of Barracuda were made from automobile bumpers and is one of the earliest works of art made by Cawood. These were given as a wedding present to close friends.
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Public Works in Shepherdstown, WV
Press Room owners, Mike & Deborah Luksa (Deb pictured) commissioned olive branch hand railings for their Dining Room and Bar entrances. Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oil sits hidden among the olives. 129 West German St.
Close up on Olive Oil at The Press Room 129 West German St.
The handrail outside the The Mecklenburg Inn. I call these figures Danny, Doug & John in remembrance of some local colorful characters who are no longer with us. 128 East German Street
The handrail outside the The Mecklenburg Inn. I call these figures Danny, Doug & John in remembrance of some local colorful characters who are no longer with us. 128 East German Street
Walk inside The Meck and to the back of the garden and find “The Climb” supporting the garden swing. 128 East German St.
Close up of the climbing figures at The Meck
The hand railings outside The Gallery at 105, were commissioned by Tom Conant. We call them “Helping Hands”. Incidentally my artwork can be seen in the front window of Gallery 105 and there’s more inside. 105 South Princess St.
The hand railings outside The Gallery at 105, were commissioned by Tom Conant. We call them “Helping Hands”. Incidentally my artwork can be seen in the front window of Gallery 105 and there’s more inside. 105 South Princess St.
The Water Watch Bench at the Town Run. Created from reused pieces of a CATF stage set. East Back Alley
A commissioned piece by Kevin Connell (the former owner of The Yellow Brick Bank). Looking down at the railing and flower boxes for the veranda off the bar area. 201 East German St.
