Deborah Scott: Unravelling the Vision
Deborah Scott is an artist dedicated to creating visually engaging compositions and is known for her figurative and portraiture works. Scott combines classical painting techniques with contemporary iconography drawn from personal biographies and archetypes.
How did your creative journey begin?
Act 1: My journey into art began at a very specific moment at the age of 10. Picture this: I'm diligently working on a paint-by-numbers featuring two adorable kittens, reveling in the meticulous process and savoring the scent of linseed oil. Suddenly, a bump from one of my older siblings sends me tumbling onto my wet painting. As I assess the damage, a revelation strikes me – the "messed up" paint on the kittens possesses an unexpected beauty, far surpassing the predetermined image on the box. In that moment, the dream of becoming an artist took root. However, believing an art career was only a fantasy, my art journey went into hibernation.
Act 2: Fast forward 25 years, after acquiring two "practical" degrees and achieving success in my professional endeavors, the persistent urge to unravel the artistic vision that had accompanied me throughout my life nudged me forward. Breaking away from the corporate world, I enrolled in a full-time atelier program for three transformative years at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle, WA. There I discovered my true voice for the first time. I discovered an ability to express myself more authentically and fully than ever before, unleashing a flood of ideas and concepts that had long been confined within the recesses of my mind. This journey was a profound realization that there was more to my story. Transformative.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find myself constantly inundated with inspiration, a torrent that feels like water gushing from a fire hose. It's a flood of creativity that leaves me grappling with the realization that there may never be enough days in my lifetime to bring all the ideas swirling in my mind to life. When it comes to my figurative work, I embrace the joy of painting anyone. In my eyes, every individual possesses a unique beauty that reveals itself when you take the time to observe closely. Each person carries their own narrative. Portraiture has become a cherished avenue for me; it allows me to honor the person I'm painting and introduce them to an entirely new world through my art. It's not just about creating art; it's about connecting with people on a profound level and sharing their stories with the world. In each stroke of the brush, I aim to convey the beauty I see in others and invite others to appreciate the diversity and richness that exists in every individual's narrative. This is more than just a painting; it's a celebration of the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
How has your work evolved over the past few years?
In my work, chaos and disruption have always played a significant role, mirroring my perception of life as inherently messy and unpredictable. Life throws curveballs beyond our control, and it boils down to how we handle them. After a hiatus from painting, a necessary pause to support my family financially, I initially aimed to eliminate tears, rips, and distress from my art, thinking it would signify a mature move forward. However, I quickly realized the opposite was true. Stripping away chaos and uncontrolled elements rendered my work dull and disconnected from my reality. I thrive on problem-solving and navigating my way through a mess, much like life itself. Pursuing realism solely for the sake of realism seemed like a futile endeavor. After all, what goes onto the canvas is just paint, a new slice of reality. This perspective resonates with the rapid expansion of AI into new territories, creating a muddle between artificial constructs and reality. In my art and in the world of technology, the attempt to mirror reality too closely throws doubt on authenticity. Embracing the unpredictable, both in my work and in the evolving landscape of AI, allows for a more genuine representation of the complexities that make life and art truly interesting.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
My week revolves around 3-5 days spent immersed in the studio. When I'm in work mode, I deliberately eliminate distractions – no texting, no calls. My studio mirrors this intentional minimalism; the sole focus is the canvas on my easel. My workflow involves intense 20-minute work blocks followed by brief breaks. Stepping out of the studio, attending to messages, and scheduling meet-ups keeps me rejuvenated. I've identified my optimal focus span at 15-20 minutes; surpassing that threshold leads to fussiness and overworking. This approach aligns seamlessly with my personality – working intensely in short bursts. This rhythm not only keeps my creative senses sharp but also strikes a balance between productivity and rejuvenation. It's a delicate dance between complete immersion and stepping back for a broader perspective, perfectly attuned to my style. Embracing this structured yet flexible approach allows me to maximize my studio time, ensuring each moment contributes purposefully to the overall flow of my work.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Every single experience I've had has left its mark on my journey as an artist. People often wonder why it took me a while to embrace this path, but I wouldn't change a thing. Every twist and turn, be it the highs or lows, moments of joy or pain, and both the professional and recreational aspects of my life, has played a role in shaping my artistic expression.
I genuinely believe that my work wouldn't possess its current essence without the accumulation of these diverse life experiences. The pivotal decision to immerse myself in a full-time atelier program was undeniably been the game-changer. Without that transformative experience, I wouldn't be able to bring my artistic vision to life in the way that I do. Each experience, big or small, has contributed to my artistic journey, and I'm grateful for the richness they've added to my life and my work.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media hasn't drastically altered my approach to art, but it's been a game-changer in terms of exposure and inspiration. The vast array of art that floods my Instagram feed feels like a grand banquet of creativity. I relish the opportunity to discover new artists and artworks, soaking in the diverse expressions that populate the platform.
In this digital age, social media serves as a dynamic stage where artists can showcase their creations and connect with a global audience. It adds a layer of accessibility to art, allowing it to transcend physical boundaries and reach diverse corners of the world. While my artistic process remains rooted in my personal expression, social media has certainly broadened the avenues through which art can be celebrated and shared.
Website: https://deborahscottart.com/
Instagram: @deborahscottart