If Scooter LaForge: A Life Of Art gives viewers strong Man In Camo vibes, don’t worry, it is intentional. Ethan Minsker, the subject and director of the latter is the person behind this documentary about the titular artist. The filmmaker employs the same multimedia style used to tell his life story here to bring forth the power of LaForge’s work.
Scooter LaForge was born in 1971 and naturally gravitated to art. After working for years in San Francisco, the man decided to move to New York City to attend an art school there, thanks to a fellowship. Several different forms, including graffiti, expressionism, and neo-surrealism, influence the painter-sculptor-fashion designer’s art. The subjects of his work stem from pop culture and current events. This is beautifully highlighted here as LaForge collaborates with Helixx Armageddon on a performance art piece using this canvas and her poetry.

“…graffiti, expressionism, and neo-surrealism, influence the painter-sculptor-fashion designer’s art.”
Scooter LaForge: A Life Of Art is an engaging examination of how one man’s convictions and art can affect so many. The collaboration, as mentioned earlier, between LaForge and Armageddon sparked the man to start writing poetry himself. But LaForge also begins a fashion line with Patricia Field, and Gazelle Paulo models the wears often. It is very fascinating to hear how LaForge approaches each partnership differently, to suit the other half (halves).
Minsker uses animation throughout to liven up the proceedings. This makes it seem like art is always following LaForge, even when he was a kid. It also helps to enliven what would otherwise be a standard talking heads documentary. Thankfully, everyone interviewed is fun and speaks highly of LaForge. Armageddon is especially insightful, and one can only hope to see a Minsker helmed production about her one day.
Running around 80 minutes, Scooter LaForge: A Life Of Art does not waste a second. The subject is interesting, and his art is incredible. Minsker moves the narrative along briskly while presenting engaging interviewees. But what makes this film unique is seeing how LaForge has touched and been touched by those in his inner circle. Art is an evolving medium influenced by the artist’s current life and perspective. No one seems to know this better than LaForge, and Minsker’s film truly celebrates the man and his ever-important work.
For more information, visit the Scooter LaForge: A Life Of Art Facebook page.