Artist: Scott Bluedorn

Interview: December 18, 2025

This summer, we encountered Scott Bluedorn's work at Guild Hall - surfboard furniture pieces that stopped us mid-stride. Part sculpture, part story, part something you couldn't quite name.

That's the thing with Bluedorn: his work is impressive and hard to pin down, moving through different mediums and themes. Ecology and myth. Science and the supernatural. The human world and whatever lies just beyond it.

A Southampton native now based in Sag Harbor, Bluedorn works across drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and installation from his Bridgehampton studio.

We caught up with Scott during his recent residency in Sardinia to learn about some of his inspirations and favorite places.

Scott Bluedorn, Surfboard Chez reclaimed longboard, resin, and metal chair frame, 56" x 23" x 80", 2013 (available)  

1. What's a moment from your studio or your work that stays with you - one you find yourself returning to - and why?

I think about when I first moved into my current studio, and it was empty and cavernous, and how I was daydreaming of all the art I would make there. It has since filled up with work and material and creative mess. But it's necessary to start with a blank canvas.

2. What's something people don't know about you?

I'm very interested in esoteric things and the occult world. Most people are slaves to empirical thinking and the need for scientific evidence. To present ideas that are contrary to these modes of thinking can be off-putting, but I think they are the things most worth exploring in this world.

Scott Bluedorn, Whale, Wreck and Ruin watercolor and graphite on paper, 30” x 20”, 2023 (sold)

3. What song, soundtrack, or piece of music best motivates or inspires you - and why?

I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, but for creative work I like contemporary eclectic jazz, experimental instrumental stuff. I like weird quirky music that is surprising but has flow. I think it might help my work to flow too.

4. Where is your go-to restaurant or bar - and what's the inside tip?

Almond in Bridgehampton feels like home. They are very supportive of the arts and many creatives frequent the place. They have a great semi-monthly "Artists and Writers" night that usually sells out quick, so you have to be on top of getting your ticket, which includes an amazing curated meal and drink. If you're there any other time, try the "Los Tres" triple decker seafood sampler.

Scott Bluedorn, Clamity Janes ink and digital 2024 tattoo design in style of “Sailor Jerry” for branding.

5. From a family dinner to a neighborhood spot or an international destination, what has been your single greatest meal of all time?

I think I'm still searching for the all-time restaurant meal, so I'll go with amazing home-cooked meals at a dinner party as some of the best and memorable eating experiences - too many to name, all around the world. Tajines in Morocco, homemade ramen in Japan, my own fresh-caught fish in Ecuador and the Maldives.

6. Is there a place nearby that feels like a hidden gem - something hiding in plain sight that more people should notice?

There are some remote coves in Montauk that feel a world away, are always desolate, and uplift me in a way I can't describe. They just take a bit of beach trekking to get to, but well worth it. I love looking at the geologically interesting bluffs, called "hoodoos."

Scott Bluedorn, Comet Weather, ballpoint pen on bristol, 7” x 5” (sold)

7. What city do you always love returning to - and what bar, restaurant, activity, and hotel do you recommend there?

I've only been once but I can't wait to get back to Mexico City, and just eat the insane street cart tacos. Best in the world for less than a buck each. I stayed in Roma with the gringos, but it's a nice part of the city, and you would have to go see the anthropological museum, over the course of a few days because it's just massive.

8. What's a moment tied to travel, art, discovery, or life learning that you share with friends, old and new?

I can't wait to share about my time where I am right now - Sardinia! It's an absolutely incredible place, seemingly underrated in terms of ancient sites, landscape, food, and beaches. I'm currently doing an art residency in a small town called Bosa. It's very beautiful.

Scott Bluedorn, Barra Ballena driftwood installation, Barra de la Cruz, Mexico, December 2023

9. What book, film, artwork, experience, or interaction has most impacted you - and why?

The work of Graham Hancock, which presents an alternative view of civilizational history and development, has been a perspective change for me on who we are and where we are going as a society. I have been reading his books for years, and always intrigued on the implications.

10. Is there something else you'd like to highlight or recommend?

Everyone should have a journal or agenda that they try to write in every day. It's my to-do list and my record of my life, and I wouldn't be able to function without it. It's a great daily practice that keeps me grateful and engaged in my life.

Scott Bluedorn, Siren solarplate etching (black and white and with watercolor) on Hahnemuhle paper, 8” x 6” (10” x 14” sheet size), edition of 10, 2018 (available)

Contact

🌐 Scott Bluedorn

Images

Lead-in image - Scott Bluedorn/ Photo by Josh Cohen

All other images - Scott Bluedorn