About the Artist
Scott Allan Baldassari was born in Chicago in 1961 and was inspired and encouraged by a Great Grandfather, Aunt, and Uncle who were all working Artists. He tutored under several excellent artists, but is without any "institutional" art education. Scott considers himself a self taught artist, who has been "drawing and painting as he's seen fit since childhood".
Scott Allan Baldassari was born in Chicago in 1961 and was inspired and encouraged by a Great Grandfather, Aunt, and Uncle who were all working Artists. He tutored under several excellent artists, but is without any "institutional" art education. Scott considers himself a self taught artist, who has been "drawing and painting as he's seen fit since childhood".
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Baldassari left behind a hectic business life in Chicago, and came to the Ozarks in the 70's in search of a simpler life. Here in the mountains, he and his family live as simply as is reasonable in todays society. A log home they built themselves, spring fed water, wood heat, a big garden.
"I've spent chunks of the last two decades doing art & craft shows, selling wholesale to gift shops and galleries, painting plein air for tourists, and doing commissioned paintings for people all over the country." Currently he runs the Nelms Gallery in Jasper Arkansas.
“I want people to be able to look at my work and feel the Peace and Serenity that I get from the Ozark Mountains. There is a Good and Simple way of living here, that is rapidly disappearing. When these Old Oak Barns finally give out-If they are replaced at all-are replaced with ugly metal buildings. When the Ole Mule Farmer leaves this world, his tools are auctioned off as “antiques”, and no one learns to re-use them.”
“I think its sad that most of our children will grow up never knowing what its like to go out and fetch their own eggs from their own chickens if they want breakfast; to spend the day hangin’ out at their own private swimming hole, to catch fresh catfish, a squirrel, or some venison in your backyard for dinner. To help Dad cut and haul firewood in the forest, or help Mom can the blackberries or cook the vegetables you just picked.”
“There’s just a few really good things in Life worth holdin’ on to. Sometimes it seems were losin’ the best of ‘em.”
Scott is one of the founding members of The Ozark Mountain Artists. A wonderfully talented group of artisans, working in virtualy every medium, they all share the solitude of "Bufallo River Country" - the most rural and rugged part of the Ozark Mountains.
“I want people to be able to look at my work and feel the Peace and Serenity that I get from the Ozark Mountains. There is a Good and Simple way of living here, that is rapidly disappearing. When these Old Oak Barns finally give out-If they are replaced at all-are replaced with ugly metal buildings. When the Ole Mule Farmer leaves this world, his tools are auctioned off as “antiques”, and no one learns to re-use them.”
“I think its sad that most of our children will grow up never knowing what its like to go out and fetch their own eggs from their own chickens if they want breakfast; to spend the day hangin’ out at their own private swimming hole, to catch fresh catfish, a squirrel, or some venison in your backyard for dinner. To help Dad cut and haul firewood in the forest, or help Mom can the blackberries or cook the vegetables you just picked.”
“There’s just a few really good things in Life worth holdin’ on to. Sometimes it seems were losin’ the best of ‘em.”
Scott is one of the founding members of The Ozark Mountain Artists. A wonderfully talented group of artisans, working in virtualy every medium, they all share the solitude of "Bufallo River Country" - the most rural and rugged part of the Ozark Mountains.