Chicago

“I draw advocacy.”

Alex Scott makes art to be seen. Being an artist is a large part of his identity; he writes, “I feel and express, and I am happy because I make it so everyone can see that I made art.” Alex remembers being introduced to art in preschool, where he would make collages. His artistic voice can be identified through strong line work, simple shapes and flat colors for his compositions. Alex’s style is exemplified by his piece Tomatoes.

Alex was born in Chicago and currently lives in Esperanza’s Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) along with his two brothers. He works as a full-time artist at The Arts of Life. Alex is very close with his brothers and gets inspired by the characters they watch on TV and learn about in books. “I am my favorite artist,” Alex says.

Art is the language Alex uses to connect with others and be present in his community. He states, “When I look at my pictures, and when other people look at my pictures, that is what I’m inspired by.” With this idea in mind, it is easy to understand why animals are depicted often in his work - they are created as a visual trope of connection and nostalgia for childhood.