Tori Scott shared her story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Tori, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
For the past few months, I have developed an interest in gardening, something I never imagined I would do, as I used to believe I didn’t have a green thumb. Not only is it a productive way to grow my own food, but it also allows me to reconnect with nature and practice something that was once a part of my ancestry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tori Scott, and I am a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and museum educator. My artistic journey truly began during my undergraduate studies in studio Art, where I was challenged to create work that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningfully complex. I started to produce pieces that represented more than just paint on a canvas; they became reflections of culture, Black existence, and nostalgia.
Since then, and after obtaining my Master of Arts in Museum Studies, I’ve taken an intentional break to further research Black histories and explore my own familial heritage. I have particularly been drawn to my ancestral ties to the Gullah Geechee culture and artistry. I intend for this research to enrich and deepen both my practice and my personal connections.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I often expected my adulthood to reflect the experiences of those around me and what society expected from a young Black person growing up in a low-income environment. I along with many others believed that our destiny was to be nothing more than a product of that environment, but I soon realized how harmful that frame of thinking was. I defied the norms and developed interests in things and spaces that were traditionally occupied by others. These purposeful intentions continue to be a part of me to this day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to “continue to be different and unapologetically you, because the world would be extremely bland without those who dare to step outside of the box”.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One thing that I have learned and continue to hold on to is the significance of staying true to myself and never forgetting that the sacrifices of those who came before me have a great deal to do with my existence and perseverance.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Finding your purpose, no matter how complex or difficult it may seem, is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Many people believe that you need to be in the right place at the right time for things to happen and for life to start making sense. However, we often overlook the small nuances that can naturally guide us toward our purpose. I genuinely feel that our purpose has been with us all along, perhaps even since we were born. It is up to each individual to recognize, focus on, and develop that purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://torisscott.com/
- Instagram: Tori_s_scott_art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-scott-670a0315a
Image Credits
The first photograph was taken by Ari Temkin
