D. Scott Carruthers
D. Scott Carruthers is an artist whose primary medium is photography. He grew up in Anaheim, California, with a natural ability for the visual arts. This aptitude took off in his teenage years, as he began photographing musicians. Rather than attending college, Carruthers chose to travel all over California, taking photographs of musicians and models. His reputation grew steadily, which led to more gigs and more opportunities to persu his passion. He started photographing events in addition to the work he was doing within the entertainment industry. At the age of twenty, Carruthers opened his first photography studio. Because he already had a wide client base, the studio was successful immediately. This gave Carruthers the chance to dive into more aspects of photography that he wanted to explore, including advertising. When he signed on with an agent at the age of twenty one, he was given the opportunity to work on national ad campaigns. He also began photographing top movie stars and athletes. He continues to work in his Anaheim studio, and loves the thrill of being creative every day. His style has progressed over the years to include more abstract elements, as well as edgier subject matter. He is known to push the limits of the art form.
What is your hobby?
Cycling; I do both road cycling and mountain biking.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
I got started with this hobby when I first opened my photography studio. I wasn’t used to spending long hours inside, with people. I found that I really needed to get outside on a regular basis, and clear my mind. I always had bikes growing up, but never took it that seriously. Suddenly, though, I was getting more into it and using my time on the bike to stay sane and happy. It was a big shift! That made me really passionate about the sport.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
I love the solitude that cycling can provide. Usually, I ride on my own so that I can be alone with my thoughts. The physical aspect of it is a plus for me, because mostly I’m using it as a meditative way to be alone out in the fresh air.
Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
No, I don’t usually cycle with a group or attend events. Once in a while I will join up with a group of guys from my neighborhood, and we’ll all go for a long road ride. But for the most part I am a solo rider.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought
I love my Specialized mountain bike for riding in the woods and on trails. I bought it years ago. I also bought a new road bike recently, as well as an app for my phone that records the distance I travel and tracks my elevation gain.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
I try to buy locally, here in Anaheim. If I can’t find exactly what I need, I’ll start to look online.
Are there any good books for beginners?
Yes. I recommend “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Haruki Murakami. He is one of my favorite writers, and even though this book is about his experience with learning to run and how that affected his writing, I find that it relates to my experience with cycling and producing photographs. Creative people can get a lot out of steady, meditative physical exercise. Murakami puts it into words so precisely.
How has this changed your life?
My artwork has benefited. While I ride, I have time to process thoughts and emotions, and clear my head. You can only make great art when you have a clear mind. If it wasn’t for cycling, I might have picked up something more destructive as an outlet for my energy and emotions. When I first started cycling, I recognized that I felt more relaxed and calm. Long hours in the studio don’t bother me when I know I’ll get a ride in at the end of the day.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
When you first start cycling, you might feel discouraged because you are not as fit as you want to be. Go for rides that are enjoyable, not rides that push you to the point of spitting blood. If you love and enjoy the activity, you’ll stick with it over the years, and that is what counts. You want to love every moment on your bike. Improvement will come; don’t force it.
Are there any other hobbies that you have?
Besides cycling and photography, I also read constantly. It’s an obsession.