photo by Alex Maness

For artist Scott Harris, fall is a muse. The 28-year-old sculptor and painter says he finds inspiration in many places - whether he is struck by the power of a word or by walking through gardens with his wife - but, Harris explains, the vibrant colors of autumn often become the palette for his work.

Harris was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and found his calling as an artist when he attended Brevard College. Once inspiration hits him, Harris does a lot of sketching, a process that may take up to a month. The sketches serve as rough drafts for creating his welded aluminum sculptures, many of which have recently featured the hues of changing leaves.

Harris Design Studios is in Lyndon St. Artworks, a space that provides a community of support for those who follow their muse. And although he’s still fairly new to the city - Harris moved here in 2005 - he says his first year as a full-time artist has been quite a success. “I’m living my dream.”

Find Scott Harris’ art at Lyndon St. Artworks and Marshall Gallery. For more information, go to harrisdesignstudios.com.