Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art

Ethan pinged me the other day to see if I would watch his new documentary about artist, Scooter LaForge.

"Sure, I'd be happy to!" As always.

It took several days to finish my current project and finally get around to viewing his latest film.

A few minutes into the film I remembered why Ethan's one of my favorite documentary filmmakers, realizing I should have put it on sooner.

A "creative" documenting another "creative", an artist making a film about another artist, doesn't have to be the best art documentary you've seen. But in Ethan's case for some reason, it always is. As I've lived in both places, Scooter's life in New York City and his connections to the southwest, resonated with me. His time in San Francisco are also quite interesting, as is his personal history at large.

With Scooter LaForge as his subject, you discover he's one of the greatest artists you've never heard of. Although many have. Especially other artists.

Huffington Post: "I BRAKE FOR SCOOTER LAFORGE." For good reason and I thank them for that.

Here's the esteem I hold Ethan in as a filmmaker. In 2022 I produced a WWI documentary/art film that won a lot of awards around the world.

I can't help now but watch Ethan's film and imagine how much better my film would be, had he also worked on it.

If you like Art, or are striving to be an Artist, one thing you always learn from Ethan's films is there's a lot going on out there you just don't know about.

So if you love Art, if you love Unique Characters, if you love stories told about them in creative and engaging ways? Definitely check out Ethan Minsker's.

"Scooter LaForge, a life of art"!

From his early years as an odd man out to his drug fueled years in the swinging seventies and eighties, all the way up to the pivotal marches, Covid-19 and social upheaval of the polarizing 2020s; this doc covers Scooter LaForge's undeniable impact. A contemporary of the likes of Kieth Haring and Gail Thacker. His influence is timelessly infused within the fabric of LGBT culture during the highly romanticized days of old New York. He painted everything: Canvases, Sculptures, and even people! His artwork appears on a remarkably unique clothing line, worn by the socialites and punk rockers alike, including Debbie Harry. This is a great doc. It's the story of an artistic icon you might not realize you need to know.

"Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art" is a mesmerizing piece of art in its own right, masterfully directed by Ethan H. Minsker. The film transcends traditional storytelling, weaving together interviews, personal anecdotes, and vibrant visuals that reflect LaForge's eclectic style. Ethan's innovative use of animation and precise editing seamlessly integrates animated sequences that mirror LaForge's pop culture-infused, comic-inspired artwork, transforming the narrative into an immersive experience. The thoughtfully curated interviews with fellow artists, art collectors, and critics offer unique insights into LaForge's impact on contemporary art, adding a rich, human dimension to the film. The exploration of the relationship between art and identity is captured with sensitivity, highlighting LaForge's personal connection to his work and his journey as an outsider in the art world.

Ethan's artistic vision turns the documentary into a symbiotic blend of filmmaking and fine art, challenging and expanding our understanding of beauty, individuality, and self-expression. The visual spectacle is so awe-inspiring that it feels like witnessing a living, breathing canvas. "Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art" stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, celebrating LaForge's resilience and unwavering commitment to authenticity. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and the boundless potential of human creativity.

"Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art" is a fascinating and colorful dive into the world of contemporary artist Scooter LaForge. This documentary, directed with a lot of heart, takes viewers on a journey through the life and work of an artist whose creations are anything but ordinary.

Visually, the documentary is a treat. The cinematography captures the energy and colors of LaForge's art, making each piece pop on screen. The editing keeps things moving smoothly, blending interviews, studio scenes, and shots of his artwork in a way that keeps you engaged.

"Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art" is a captivating and visually stunning documentary that celebrates the life and work of a unique artist. It's an inspiring watch for anyone, whether you're a fan of contemporary art or just curious about the life of an artist. This film is definitely worth your time.

A refreshingly stylized documentary on an incredible artist. Minsker injects his visual style and a "wall of sound" that drives the storytelling in a compelling and entertaining way. Many documentaries can rely too much on talking heads, but Minsker uses them in a balanced way along with interviews with LaForge and captures the artist as he rises in prominence in the New York art world.

It doesn't linger long on LaForge's early days growing up or time in San Francisco, but gives you enough to understand where he came from.

I was fortunate to see the documentary in an old opera house at the 7th annual Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival in Pennsylvania.