INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT “DOC” VARN

We caught up with historian and artist, Doc!

HP: Why do you choose to support Charleston Waterkeeper?

SV: Our mission with PAPA is to support key partners that are doing the critical conservation work. Across the country, we were always looking for those hard-working organizations that are protecting our water for their local community. Once we met Andrew and his team, we knew we had a true champion of the Charleston waterways. People often take for granted that the creeks and rivers are safe, not knowing organizations are trying desperately to keep them that way. As artists, we can create an inspire the desire for these places to be protected, but it takes an army of organizers, volunteers, and scientists to do the actual work necessary to keep them safe for the public. We want everyone to first fall in love again with these beautiful places, then acknowledge how important and fragile they are, then to personally and politically fight for their protection and support these indispensable organizations like the Charleston Water Keepers.  

HP: What is your favorite way to enjoy clean water?

SV: It is one thing to be on the water but it is a completely different thing to be in the water. To allow the ebb and flow to move you in an almost weightless way. It is an important gift of peace to connect with the natural world. But only if one can feel safe because the water is actually clean. 

HP: What is your favorite waterway in Charleston?

SV: The Ashley,  because of the original art from Picturesque America featured this river in 1873. It was such an honor to paint there again with all our members. Now the sales of our artwork will go to protect it through our partnership with CWK. 

HP: Tell us about what you have been working on or a recent project

SV: We are currently having the preservation through art exhibition and sale at the amazing City Gallery downtown. Not only depicts the important waterways, but other natural grand landmarks and imported historic locations. It is raising money for many local preservation and conservation community partners. This one of a kind “then and now” show is important not to miss because we only do this once in each community because we have so many locations to find across America. Our next waterways we are focusing on will be the Savannah river, the Colorado river and the Delaware. The people that purchase artwork will not only be helping these important nonprofits, but will be owning a piece of history, as the new publication will be released this spring.

HP: Tell us something interesting about yourself that we might not know

SV: My personal artwork is done in the same style as the original artist from the 1800s. Originating on site I paint only with ink and then later go back to woodblocks to carve each and every detail so they can be reproduced in relief. The printmaking process is incredibly similar to the original publication. I believe that by connecting to the inspiration of the past we can take action now to protect these places for the future.