Portrait of a Dive Bar

 

Interview by: Andy Ives

 

Matthew Scott is an American-born bartender turned photographer. His recent collection of photographs of US dive bars caught 4Bar’s eye, so we had a chat to see what’s going on in the Obamaland.

1. Hi Matthew, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. First things first, tell us a bit about yourself and your work.

Well, I am 30 years old, and currently live and work in Los Angeles. I moved here about three months ago from San Francisco, where I lived for eight years. My personal work is more or less an inside look at my daily activities… The project called “Book of Mathew”, is a collection of places I have been, people I have met, and whatever else I find interesting along the way. The other projects are like chapters to this main body of work, for instance, “Last Call… Portrait of a Dive Bar” are all places I have stopped in for a drink- It’s just another way of documenting my personal experiences and interests. Of course, once a project is underway, I start going out specifically to get images, but the initial idea and the original images that spawned the project all come from what surrounds me at that time. Although, I do make it a point to hang out and enjoy a beer or… five, while I am photographing these places. I like to get to know the place and find all its quirky decorations, and discover its character before I start shooting.

 

 

2. Why do you think dive bars are so appealing?

Its just about a comfortable place to hang out and drink- by yourself, or with friends. My favourite thing about American dives is you are allowed, no, almost encouraged to act like a full on drunken asshole, and no one cares, try and act like that at any club or upscale restaurant or bar and it wont last. I like the “no rules apply” feel they have.

 

3. What would be your definition of a dive bar, and how does it differ from a cocktail bar?

A cocktail bar is more focused on customer service, cleaner, and more modern environment, where a dive bar sometimes looks like it hasn’t been remodelled since the early 70’s, I love that. If you want a well made, top shelf, expensive drink, then a cocktail bar is the place to go. If you don’t mind that drink made with some generic vodka that comes in a plastic bottle, and is served on the rocks no matter how you might have ordered it - and that delicious generic vodka might have a slight over pour as well – that’s a good dive bar.

 

4. Describe the bar scene in the US.

It’s a really fun scene. I spent about eight years as a bartender working everything from busy night clubs to upscale restaurants. I really enjoyed my time as a bartender, and that also really gave me an inside look at the service industry in San Francisco. I am not too sure about the scene in LA, its such a big city, and allot of it feels really ‘expected’. Even if you have never been to LA, I am sure you can imagine what a Friday or Saturday night would look like, and from what I can see, most bars and clubs seem to fit the stereotype. In San Francisco, it’s a little different. It’s a much smaller city but there are an unbelievable amount of bars and restaurants, all with there own charm and history. They seem to pride themselves on uniqueness in that city, and that can make for some pretty interesting places get a drink.

 

5. What function does art play in creating the vibe of a bar?

I think it plays a huge part; it’s a way to create the atmosphere and based upon the type of art you have, it can determine the type of clientele. I always notice the art or decor of a bar, I think most people do, whether they realise it or not. It’s important to have interesting things to look at; it can really save a bad first date! People tend to observe their surroundings and creating a visually stimulating place will always increase return customers and draw in people who are passing by.

 

6. Any plans to come to Australia?

I would love to visit Australia! As a Photographer, I like to travel, that’s why I got into this in the first place. Australia is definitely a stamp I am missing on my passport.

Portrait of a Dive Bar can be viewed in full along with Matthew’s other work at www.mathewscott.com