Deception in the Woods
An exploration of vulnerability, trust, and the unseen intentions of others.
In Deception in the Woods, a young girl stands in a shadowy forest holding a Target bag, her red hood symbolizing innocence and vulnerability. The painting raises questions about who is there to help and who may have hidden, self-serving motives, exploring the fine line between trust and deception.
Deception in the Woods portrays a young girl in a dense forest, clutching a Target bag filled with items intended for her ailing grandfather. The red hood she wears evokes the archetype of Little Red Riding Hood, a symbol of innocence stepping into an unpredictable world. However, this reimagined narrative takes a darker turn, raising the question: who in this story is there to support her, and who may take advantage of her trust?
The shadowy, distressed textures of the forest create an atmosphere of unease, suggesting hidden forces at play. The Target bag, a practical modern object, contrasts sharply with the foreboding environment, amplifying the tension between everyday caregiving and the lurking presence of those with unknown intentions.
This painting invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of vulnerability and the complexities of trust in a world where motivations can be layered and uncertain. Deception in the Woods balances the universal archetypes of innocence and danger with a contemporary narrative that speaks to timeless human fears.
Oil and mixed media on canvas
40″ x 24″
Windows Within: Universal Narratives in Fractured Realism
This body of work by Deborah Scott explores the profound connections between personal stories and shared human experiences. Through a series of conversations and interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Scott uncovers intimate narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph. These seemingly unique moments are transformed into powerful works of art, revealing their universality and the interconnectedness of all human experiences.
Each painting in Windows Within serves as both a reflection and a revelation, embodying Scott’s belief that art is a mirror to the complexities of identity and existence. Her work draws on the psychological framework of Johari’s Window, exploring the interplay between the visible and hidden aspects of the self. By blending classical techniques with intentional disruptions—rips, tears, and abstract shapes—Scott creates a dynamic visual language that captures the fragmented, evolving nature of contemporary life.
Windows Within is an emotional and visual journey, inviting viewers to see themselves in the stories of others and to consider the profound universality of human connection.
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