While studying at what was then named the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, Andrew Scott was advised by a professor that painting could endure indefinitely, but rock n’ roll had a limited lifespan. This message struck a chord with Scott, who was a student at the Halifax university. In 1991, faced with a crucial choice, Scott, three art history credits shy of obtaining a bachelor of fine arts degree, deliberated between completing his education or pursuing music with his burgeoning new band, Sloan, where he played the drums.
Opting out of school meant forsaking the sense of accomplishment from finishing what he started and the inability to present his diploma to his mother. “But in terms of the band … we had a vast opportunity ahead of us that seemed too good to pass up,” Scott expressed.
This decision was made when the band had yet to release an album. Moreover, music was not something he envisioned as a long-term endeavor. “I recall vividly pleading with my mom for a certain amount of money to purchase a specific drum kit, and I said, ‘Mom, I won’t be in a rock band when I’m 30,'” Scott reminisced. “I literally uttered those words. I am almost 60 now and still passionate about my job.”
Sloan has launched 14 studio albums, some of which are hailed by critics and fans as among the finest Canadian albums ever produced, such as 1994’s “Twice Removed” and 1996’s “One Chord to Another.” The band frequently tours across Canada and the United States, performing iconic Canadian tracks like “Money City Maniacs,” “If It Feels Good Do It,” and “The Rest of My Life.”
At NSCAD University’s May convocation ceremony, Scott is being conferred the title of Life Fellow, recognizing individuals whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on the university. Scott expressed his delight and humility at receiving this honor, much to his mother’s delight.
Following his departure from NSCAD, a professor suggested Scott send postcards from his travels to earn some credits, but this never materialized. For Scott, the Life Fellow recognition holds deep personal significance. Sloan’s inaugural performance took place in NSCAD’s cafeteria in February 1991. He met his wife while studying there, and now his son is a freshman at the institution.
When it comes to balancing his music career with his passion for painting, Scott’s journey has been marked by artistic endeavors alongside his musical pursuits. Despite painting taking a backseat during Sloan’s peak fame in the 1990s, Scott resumed his artistic pursuits in the late 1990s by renting studios. For the past two decades, he has been creating art intermittently in an unheated garage at his Toronto residence, also selling his artwork.
While on tour with Sloan, Scott immerses himself in art museums and galleries during his downtime. His interest in art was instilled at a young age by his father, who, despite being involved with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, was also a jazz musician and painter. Reflecting on his artistic journey, Scott believes his father, who passed away in 1982, may have dissuaded him from attending NSCAD due to his emphasis on academics over art.
Scott’s nomination for the Life Fellow accolade was put forth by sculptor Thierry Delva, a former NSCAD professor. Delva commended Scott’s dual career path as a great inspiration for students, highlighting the challenges artists face in making a sustainable living. At the convocation ceremony, Scott will not be the sole honoree, with German visual artist Gerhard Richter set to receive an honorary doctorate.
Scott regards Richter as his artistic hero and cherishes the honor of being mentioned alongside him. Richter’s work served as a guiding light for Scott, validating his artistic aspirations. Scott acknowledges the pivotal role NSCAD played in granting him the freedom to pursue his artistic calling.
The Life Fellow recognition holds special meaning for Scott, symbolizing his journey as a musician and artist, and the profound impact of his contributions to NSCAD University.