By Leah Yanuszeski, Review Intern
Even while sitting at Poppyseed in downtown Lake Orion, Scott Allen Bruce’s creative juices continue to flow, mentally transforming ordinary sign holders into works of art.
Oxford native Bruce, an artist who uses hard wood as a medium for his custom wine racks, wall d’cor, distressed frames, and other items, is stepping on to the local artistic scene.
‘I’ve always been artistic, I’ve always been an artist,? said Bruce. He previously worked as a production manager for a printer company. When he lost his job about four months ago, Bruce decided to pursue his passion’art.
‘I saw it as an opportunity to get into what I like to do,? he said. Bruce’s artistic resume includes commission-based children’s portraits as well as woodworking. Combining both, Bruce now creates that ‘one of a kind gift or special item.? Bruce titled his style ‘vintage inspired.?
‘I’ve always been drawn to things that look like they have been here awhile,? Bruce said, ‘I like to bring out the flaws in wood.?
He continued by saying his artwork just flows, and spur-of-the-moment inspiration is what he thrives on.
‘My mind is too crazy to explain,? said Bruce.
However Bruce also does modern pieces, such as pastel paintings. Ready to purchase items are available at Bruce’s Website, www.ScottAllenBruce.com. However, customized pieces are easy to come by. Bruce explained that he creates pieces based on what the customer wanted.
‘I can create custom pieces for the individual. Their imagination can start the ball rolling, or they can give me creative control,? said Bruce.
The piece can also be real specific to the customer’s wants. Samples of wall paint, furniture, or flooring may be brought in for color references, and Bruce detailed that custom frames can be created around the picture. Furniture may be made to match current home d’cor as well.
‘I can also go into the customer’s home, and accent the walls, ceilings, or structure of the house,? commented Bruce.
‘I try to make everything affordable,? said Bruce,? I’m not trying to make art that nobody can afford.?
Smaller frames that hold a seven-by-five picture sell for around $60. Six bottle wine racks sell for about $260, whereas smaller wine racks sell for around $100. Items can be made to any size. However, the sky is the limit to as what you want done, Bruce said.
Many of Bruce’s pieces are available for sale at Elements, located in downtown Lake Orion. He has been working with Elements for about a month now.
‘We are very excited to carry a local artist,? comments Bonnie Blais, owner of Elements. ‘His unique quality products enhance our shop. We have sold a bunch.?
Bruce is looking to expand his business both by selling more custom pieces to individuals and selling items in more local shops.
To see Bruce’s work, he suggests stopping by Elements, located at 11 South Broadway Street. To discuss custom pieces or gift id eas, contact Bruce by phone at 248-701-8416, or by email at scott@ScottAllenBruce.com.