About

Finding myself in a history of marked surfaces

Scout Bender is a painter, sculptor, and mixed media artist. He was born in California in 1998 and later raised from the age of four on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii. He matured on the mountain ridges around his hometown of Wahiawa. From a young age, Scout explored the abundance of hikes, forests, rivers, and beaches of Oahu. From the teachings of his father, the Hawaiian community, and his own explorations Scout learned from a young age to be aware of the land’s health and how it changes. It became apparent that history past, lived today. The subjects he explores in his work reflect these experiences and thoughts. From philosophical curiosities of life, environmentalism, history, and identity Scout utilizes a blend of mediums, surfaces, and techniques to build an artwork’s story from the surface to the final mark. Seeking to maintain the same unique narrative of land being built upon and manipulated.

Having the privilege of a supportive and emotionally open family, Scout was able to turn an artistic pleasure into an ambition to create. In high school he created and submitted artworks to scholastics competitions, receiving a few silver awards. After graduating high school in 2016 he attended Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Led the college’s Fine Arts Club, joined the Corcoran Woods Research Service Learning project, and built up a portfolio of artwork. In 2019 he got accepted into Laguna College of Art and Design with a full merit-based scholarship. As well as earned the Plotkin Foundation Scholarship in 2022. Scout graduated LCAD in the winter of 2022.

CV

Education:

  • Leilehua High School 2012-2016

  • Anne Arundel Community College 2017- 2019

  • Laguna College of Art and Design 2019- current

Awards/Honors:

  • LCAD Merit-Based Scholarship

  • Plotkin Award - 2022

Exhibition Record:

  • Pascal Gallery at Anne Arundel Community College - 2018

  • Graduating Student Art show at Anne Arundel Community College - 2018

Professional Experience:

  • Mural painting through AACC 

  • Graphic design intern for Maryland League of Conservation Voters

  • Corcoran Woods Research service learning