Shana Nys DambrotScott Hove speaks eloquently about the dynamic happening in his art as being about the integration of darkness and light as a psycho-social matter involving desire, sexuality, trust, euphoria, and fear. What’s magical is the way he has of manifesting this concept in elaborately detailed sculptural installations that physically combine the frosted frills of fancy cakes with more violent imagery of fangs and weapons. Known for increasingly ambitious “cake maze” experiences, Hove’s latest project currently takes over the exhibition space at Hollywood’s Burgundy Room with a large-scale installation called ARTCRIMES, in collaboration with tattoo artist Henry Lewis, and periodically activated with site-specific performance art.
L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
SCOTT HOVE: I knew I was an artist when I was 12 years old, when drawing and creating suddenly became a priority and obsession that did not exist in other parts of my life.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
When people ask what my art is about, I say it is an attempt at reintegrating light and dark forces in a way that is compelling and exciting for the viewer.
Scott Hove: Olig
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
If I was not an artist I would be continuing one of my side careers, probably either ship and crane rigging or wildlife conservation.
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
I started art school the year following high school, but after about a year, I quit to practice on my own when I realized school would postpone my career goals and generally be a waste of time, other than gaining a new community of close friends.
Why do you live and work in L.A., and not elsewhere?
I live and work in L.A. because my city of origin, San Francisco, has become a cultural ghost town, the majority of its creative class scattered across the country like flower petals after a hurricane. Also, L.A. is very competitive and with strong players, which is inspiring.
When was your first show?
I have had shows since 1988, but the debut of the “Cakeland” works I am best known for was in 2010 at La Luz de Jesus Gallery.
Art by Scott Hove
When is/was your current/most recent/next show?
My current show, ARTCRIMES, is at the Burgundy Room Gallery, 1621 N. Cahuenga in Hollywood, continuing through late October.
What artist living or dead would you most like to show with?
I have many artists who I admire and look up to. Most of them have a large budget to work with. Rather than show with any of them, I’d prefer to have a generous enough budget to be able to outdo them.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
I listen to music that seems to change with the seasons and reflect my mood. Lately its been ’50s and ’60s country and rockabilly, but I’m creeping back into really dark doom metal.
Website and social media handles, please!
Website: cakefangs.com
IG: @scotthove
Facebook: The Art of Scott Hove
Performer Coco Ono in Artcrimes (Photo by Matt Odom)
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