SEATTLE WASHINGTON | UNITED STATES
Deborah Scott is an artist whose passion for art is reflected in every stroke of her brush. Her artwork is characterized by complex emotional depths, where each painting tells a story about human experience and inner worlds. Her ability to explore and represent the complexity of emotions and relationships through art makes her works not only visually appealing but also emotionally resonant. In this interview, Deborah shares her experience in creating pieces that explore the human figure and portrait, as well as her unique approach that merges intimacy with universal themes.
Unveiling Passion - From the Corporate World to the Canvas of Art
Your career path has led you from the business world to the art world. Could you share the moment when you felt that art was your true calling and how this decision has transformed your life?
Life’s journey is never a straight path; my story is no exception. Its twists and turns have unfolded like the three acts in a play. As I reflect on my path, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of art. This privilege was not always evident or possible for me. Now, each day spent making art is a gift.
Act I
Act I unfolds in a childhood moment, where a serendipitous mishap ignited the spark of artistic curiosity within me. At the age of 10, I was meticulously painting a scene of two cute little kittens, guided by the demanding lines of a paint-by-number kit. Suddenly, one of my older siblings bumped into me, causing me to tumble onto my wet painting. After a moment of panic, I looked at my painting and could not believe what I saw. By falling into the paint, I had smudged all the edges and created a soft, furry quality in the painting. I was in awe. I felt my painting was now miraculously better than the one I had been working so hard to emulate.
In that defining moment, I discovered the liberating truth that creativity knows no boundaries and that deviation from the conventional path can lead to unforeseen brilliance. I hid that pivotal painting in the back of my childhood bedroom closet for years and pulled it out every time I needed to remind myself that the conventional path was not necessarily the best path.
All that said, I still did not know that becoming an artist was even a possibility. I didn’t know any artists, and the idea didn’t fit with a family focused on math and engineering. I kept those lessons learned from my painting mishap and applied them to many aspects of my life and career, but my desire to be an artist went into deep hibernation for 25 years.
Act II
Act II thrusts me into the realm of business, where I excelled and climbed the corporate ladder with determination. From managing renowned businesses and brands like Cheerios and Yoplait to navigating a new (at the time) global landscape of e-commerce at Amazon.com and working directly with visionaries like Jeff Bezos. I found outward “success”, but it didn’t feel like success to me.
Then I received another proverbial push. My husband encouraged me to pause my business career and explore this suppressed part of myself. It was terrifying. I traded security for my family for a passion that would likely to lead to a lifetime of struggle.
I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, venturing into art with a beginner's mind and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Despite my complete lack of experience, I immersed myself in a rigorous full-time, 3-year atelier program, confronting challenges head-on and honing my skills with dedication. It was easily the most challenging, intimidating, and humbling endeavor I had ever taken on - but also pure joy. With enthusiasm, perseverance and passion, I unearthed a deep sense of purpose and self-expression, emerging as an artist capable of more fully expressing myself and ideas.
But life's journey had unforeseen obstacles, and Act II takes a somber turn. My husband was diagnosed with an incurable illness. I set aside my paint brushes to care for him, support our family, and help him realize his dreams with his remaining time. In the darkness of loss and grief, the need to create never subsided. With the support of loved ones and the resilience found in adversity, I mustered the courage to embrace Act III.
Act III
As I navigate this uncharted territory of Act III, I am filled with wonder and anticipation, eager to see how it unfolds. I paint my ideas, stories, and emotions onto the canvas. Even as I share my story here, I am reminded that every setback is a prelude to a comeback, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. This did not happen alone.
Act III would not have been possible without the encouragement of my children, my incredible friends, and a significant Swiss commission that helped me find my way back into the studio and regain my spark. Act III is a testament to the enduring power of resilience, passion, and the potential of the human spirit. As I look into the unknown, I am deeply grateful for the gift of art and the opportunity to share my journey with others.
Emotions on Canvas
Your works are renowned for their emotional impact. How do you choose the themes for your paintings, and how important is the audience's emotional response to your works?
I embrace the unknown and welcome the unpredictable into my creative process. While acknowledging my own presence in the work, I strive to let the subject take the lead, entering each painting with an open mind and without preconceived notions.
Conversations form the foundation of many of my paintings, delving deep into the stories and experiences of my subjects. I believe everyone has a compelling narrative worth exploring. At times, I use tarot cards, fairy tale references, or known archetypes to start conversations and unearth profound insights. These moments of revelation, or "aha moments," reveal core aspects of the subject's identity, philosophy, or personal journey.
Drawing from my previous career and an appreciation for universal archetypes, I infuse my work with symbols and imagery that resonate on a broader cultural level. By tapping into these shared symbols, I create a connection that transcends individual narratives, allowing viewers to find their own meaning in the artwork.
While some pieces may explore darker themes, I trust in the power of my creative process to convey a core idea, even when I don't fully understand the backstory myself. As I develop each piece, I incorporate elements that symbolize different facets of the subject's journey, allowing room for interpretation and connection on multiple levels.
To be blunt, I am not motivated or occupied by an audience’s emotional response to my work. I cannot control or even anticipate how someone will react. My goal is to make work that is authentic and resonates with me. I firmly believe that in our human experience, we are all more alike than different. If something speaks to me, it will also likely speak to others - not everyone - but others. I firmly believe people can recognize artistic authenticity. Attempting to cater to or evoke a specific emotion would be misguided for me. I try to create space in my work for viewers to form their own connections and draw their own conclusions.
Universal Sources of Inspiration
Inspiration can come from many sources, including personal experiences and interactions with the world around us. Can you describe how everyday life inspires you and how you translate these inspirations into your artistic works?
Every day, inspiration finds me in the most unexpected places. It could be something as simple as a passing glance or a fleeting thought that sparks an entire universe of creative possibilities in my mind. I'm genuinely enthralled by the many ideas that come my way, and while it's exhilarating, I've learned to tread carefully.
I've established a personal rule —what I call my 48-hour rule—to navigate the rush of excitement that accompanies a new idea. When inspiration strikes, I give myself the space to explore it fully, but with a catch.
I know that initial euphoria can sometimes lead me astray, so I wait. I let the idea simmer for a couple of days, allowing the initial excitement to settle. More often than not, what seemed like a groundbreaking concept, does not merit more attention than my current work. It's a humorous dance between passion and practicality, but it helps me stay focused on what truly matters.
I've always said that if I lived forever, I still wouldn't have enough time to bring all my ideas to life. It's like a raging river of creativity, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be so easily inspired by the world around me.
The Magic of Artistic Creation
When starting a new art project, which part of the creation process do you value most? Is there a particular moment in the art-making process that is especially meaningful to you or that you experience as a revelation?
When embarking on a new art project, I find the initial phase of ideation and conceptualization to be the most invigorating. Ideas are like sparks of inspiration that ignite my curiosity and drive me to explore new realms of
thought and philosophy. Whether sparked by something I see, hear, read, or discuss, these ideas propel me into a whirlwind of creative possibilities.
Once an idea takes root in my mind, I am super excited to see how it will unfold visually in my art. Despite any preliminary planning or composition layouts, I find that the true manifestation of the idea remains a mystery until I begin the creative process. It's as if the act of creating is the key that unlocks the full potential of the concept, revealing its essence through the applications of paint.
I deeply respect the meticulous approach of artists who engage in multiple studies before diving into a larger canvas, but my process is more spontaneous. I prefer to rough out ideas in Photoshop, then dive straight into painting without the constraint of formal studies. There's a sense of freedom and spontaneity in this approach that allows me to channel my creativity without overthinking or over-planning.
Focus on Figurative Art - Depth and Diversity in Portraiture
Your work often explores human figures and portraits. What draws you to this form of expression, and how do you approach creating depth and complexity in your figurative works?
The human figure has always been a central focus of my artistic expression. There's a primal, almost instinctual draw to portraying the human form—a connection beyond mere aesthetics. We are biologically programmed to respond to images of humans; it's ingrained in our DNA. When I look at a person or a portrait, I see a reflection of myself and the shared experiences of humanity.
Painting figures isn't just about capturing a likeness; it's a way for me to delve deeper into the human psyche, both of others and myself. It's a process of understanding and empathy, allowing me to explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Through the act of painting, I can spend time getting to know my subjects on a deeper level, uncovering layers of personality, traumas and delights that might not be immediately apparent. Ultimately, it's this exploration of depth and complexity that brings my figurative works to life, inviting viewers to connect with the shared humanity within each piece.
Social Impact of Art - Engagement Through Art
How do you see the role of your art in social discussions? Is there a specific theme or issue that you are currently reflecting through your works?
Art has an important role in contributing to social discussions and bringing about change, but it's not the primary focus of my work. I don't set out with the intention to educate or advocate for specific causes. My approach to art is more about personal expression and exploration.
Some of my pieces may touch on political or social issues, but this is a function of my openness to ideas that come out of conversations with my subjects and not a deliberate choice on my part to make a statement. I won't shy away if a conversation with my subject sparks a narrative that naturally lends itself to a politically or socially charged issue. However, I often approach these topics with nuance, complexity and ambiguity.
Ultimately, my art is a vehicle for personal connection and introspection. My goal is to create pieces that resonate on a personal level with viewers and show an authentic moment or experience of another human being. I believe this approach, devoid of a specific message or viewpoint, allows my art to have a profound and timeless quality.
Legacy and Impact - A Lasting Impression
What kind of artistic legacy do you hope to leave? What would you like people to remember most when they think about your body of work?
I center my life and artistic approach on living and creating in the moment, right now. For me, it's about connecting with others through my art at whatever moment they encounter a piece—whether it's today, next year, or even a century from now. Looking back and looking forward, I hope that viewers find something in my work that speaks to them in that particular moment of their lives. My aim is to foster a sense of connection and shared experience, transcending the boundaries of time and leaving a lasting impact on those who engage with my art.
Through this conversation, Deborah Scott not only reveals the layered complexity of her works but also encourages us to think of art as the universal language of emotions and human experiences.
Her pieces, which delve into the depth of the human figure and portraiture, provide a unique insight into the complexity of human emotions and interpersonal relationships.
We invite you to follow her remarkable work and connect with her artistic journey, which continuously inspires and delights, offering new discoveries in every piece.
Photos: Deborah Scott