Whilst the term ‘dive’ may have derived from 19th century London, it’s in America that the ‘dive bar’ has become a way of life. Cheap drinks, a well stacked alternative jukebox, a pool table and offensive bar staff are all traits of the classic ‘dive bar’, a disreputable, yet undeniably charming drinking establishment that oozes character from every bourbon soaked pore. Sharing our fascination with the grimier side of drinking is up-and-coming LA based photographer, Matthew Scott, who has assembled a collection of beautifully warm and charming images of dive bars, entitled ‘Last Call… Portrait of a Dive Bar’. Currently working on commissions for the likes of GQ and Mass Appeal, we managed to get a quick chat with Matthew about his work and our shared love for dive bars…………..
We love your collection on dive bar photographs, there is something so beautiful about the classic, dirty American bar, maybe they remind us of the sort of places we’ve spent so much time in over here in the UK, how did the photos come about, do you share our fascination for the rougher drinking establishments?
This project came about from exploring my own reasons for being drawn to these places. I always found myself favoring the whole in the wall, neighborhood bar versus the night clubs. I love the character and individuality of each bar, its an extension of the person who owns them, and the regulars that keep the place open. That is the basic idea behind the project, its where the “Portrait” part comes into the title. This is a never ending project- Every time I travel, I always make it a point to explore the neighborhood bars.
What do you think defines a ‘dive bar’?
The term “Dive Bar” is a broad description. For me, is a place you feel comfortable in, usually its owner operated, and most rules don’t apply (like smoking inside). The decorations are more or less just random things that have personal value to the owner of the place, or the one or two employes that work there. They tend to have a good juke box, loaded with classic rock- thats some of the best drinking music!
How do you work, are you always ready and armed with a camera, are you always on the look out for the perfect shot?
I am rarely without my camera, but those times I am with out it, I always have my notebook on me. My brain is always thinking, I am obsessed with photography, and its all I think about, so I really never stop working- Although I don’t like to think of it as working, its something I would be doing whether I am getting paid or not.
You do a lot of commercial work for some interesting clients, have you ever been asked to do something so ridiculous that you’ve refused to do?
I have been lucky so far, all my assignments have been something I am interested in, and that is what really makes the shot- If your not interested in the subject, you will see that in the images. I did have an artist email recently to do a photograph for him, I wont go into details, but after hearing the concept, I really just didn’t see the point, and had to turn down the offer. I need to see the point, or have the commission hold some sort of relevance, or else its just dead space.
Any exhibitions, shows or books in the pipeline?
Nothing now, but I am working on it everyday. For a while, I was only working the production side, now that I have the prints made, I am focusing on getting my work out there for people to see.
We’re sure people will want to see more, and for those who want to purchase prints of your work before you hit the big time?
The best way to go about this is by going to my site (www.mathewscott.com) and contacting me directly. My email and phone number are on my site.
As you know, we feature a lot of cool products, what ‘stuff’ can’t you live without?
I am all about keeping it simple, besides the obvious, camera, tripod, light meeter… I would have to say I can’t live without my Moleskine Notebook, and as of lately, my iPhone (i know, thats cheesy). They have this voice recorder app that lets me take notes by speaking into my phone, I use this thing religiously! I am on the lookout for a new camera bag, most of the ones I have found are designed for function, but look terrible, I would like to find one that maybe doesn’t look too much like a “camera bag”
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