Featured Artist Deborah Scott

Enjoy the incredible portfolio of figurative artist Deborah Scott, who captures a depth of human experience in each image. Learn more by visiting her website.

 

 

I’ve always been fascinated by the way art can tell a story—especially one that goes beyond the surface to explore the deeper layers of human experience. As an artist, I’m drawn to the intersection of figurative painting and abstraction, where the emotional depth of personal stories meets the ambiguity of modern life.

 

 

My work often takes the personal narratives of others and transforms them into universal archetypes that resonate with a broader audience. I see it as a way to connect on a deeply human level, exploring identity and the complexities of our inner worlds.

 

 

My journey into art wasn’t exactly traditional. Before becoming an artist I spent years managing large multinational businesses and brands like Cheerios and Amazon.com. That experience, believe it or not, plays a huge role in how I approach my art today.

 

 

In leadership and marketing, I learned the power of storytelling and archetypes—how certain themes can resonate with people across different cultures and backgrounds. I’ve carried that into my painting practice, using archetypes and symbols to communicate emotions and experiences that feel both personal and collective.

 

 

After leaving the corporate world, I studied classical painting techniques at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. There, I learned the discipline of figurative painting while also developing my voice as an artist. I’ve always been inspired by the way Renaissance artists used symbolism to tell the spiritual journeys of saints. I try to bring that same sense of storytelling to my work.

 

 

But instead of using traditional religious symbols, I incorporate contemporary objects and brands that reflect modern life. It’s my way of connecting the old with the new. I create layers of meaning that invite viewers to engage with my work on multiple levels.

 

 

A central theme in my art is the concept of Johari’s Window. It explores what is known, hidden, and unknown about ourselves and others. This idea is woven into my paintings through the use of abstraction and disruption, where parts of the narrative are left open to interpretation. I want my work to reflect the complexity and ambiguity of identity—how much of who we are remains hidden, even from ourselves.

 

 

I’ve had the opportunity to exhibit my work across the US and internationally. This includes shows at the MEAM in Barcelona and the Titian International Portrait Exhibition in Italy. My time at residencies like the Vermont Studio Center and the Museum of Loss and Renewal in Italy has also been incredibly enriching. They allowed me to connect with artists and communities around the world.

 

 

Ultimately, my goal is to create art that makes people pause and reflect on their own stories and connections to the world around them. I hope my work offers a space for contemplation, where the personal meets the universal, and where each viewer can find their own meaning.

 

Deborah Scott invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook. 

 

 

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