It’s a pleasure to share more about this creative artist, Scott Mitchell. A metalworker by trade and a maker by nature, Scott’s work reflects his creative path of curiosity, persistence, and the desert he calls home. So, Scott, what kind of art do you make and why is Moab a special place for you?

Metalwork is my main focus but painting and music also hold places in my day. I first came through Moab on a touring bike, in 1987, riding solo from northern Utah back to Tucson where I then lived. The canyons spoke to me so strongly that from that point on S.E. Utah became a magnet for me. I moved to Monticello in 1995 with my wife Carol and the canyons still speak to my soul.

You’ve clearly got a deep connection to this landscape. How did your creative journey first begin?

I started this adventure working as a welder. I soon found myself immersed in creating found art sculptures that filled my yard; it was then upward to further ignite my creativity in blacksmithing. I love making one-of-a-kind pieces but have learned how to also find joy in something as repetitive as production work, by inventing tools and new methods to make things better as well as decrease production time. I love challenges.

I know all artists face bumps along the way, that is life! How do you move through your challenges?

I have overcome challenges with perseverance & the desire to never stop learning.

Would you have done anything differently to speed up your learning process?

Nope.

Sounds like creativity is just part of who you are. How do you fit it into your daily life?

I don't need to manage my creative time — it's 24/7 in everything I do.

A lot of artists struggle with balancing creativity and the business side of things. How do you handle that part?

I don't do retail. I leave that to the fine folks who love that aspect. I love creating and although there IS creative marketing — that's not my stick.

What about those moments when creativity slows down? How do you deal with that?

Lulls are natural. I don't focus on them. I simply shift my focus.

That’s a healthy perspective. What are your favorite ways to nurture your creativity?

Creativity is a constant flow. When you feel stuck, it's just a block inside of you. Get outside, stand on the earth, move your body, empty your mind, take in the sky, get your feet on redrock, feel the expansiveness and the blocks will simply dissipate.

The desert can really reinvigorate creativity, you’re right. Your work really seems to reflect that. What makes your approach or process unique?

Being somewhere between a jeweler and a blacksmith and pushing those boundaries.

We feel that your art has intentional impacts on our community and also see it spreading beyond Moab to the world at large. What keeps you motivated and pressing forward in your art?

My motivation simply comes from an innate desire to create. My hope is that through my art that culture and community will smile a bit more.

We’d love to hear how you're handling the political climate and the threat to public lands.

Politics and worry block creativity :)

Is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

It takes courage to learn to forgive
To be brave enough to listen
To live and let live

Peter Gabriel IO  song/album

Scott, thank you for sharing your time and perspective with us. Your approach to creativity feels really natural and grounded. We’re grateful to have your work and spirit as part of the Moab Made community.

Scott Mitchell’s art reminds us that creativity isn’t something to chase, it’s something to live.