A painting by Deborah Scott titled Without Permission, depicting a young girl sitting in a chair, intensely focused on playing a video game with a controller in her hands. She wears ripped jeans and boots, with an absorbed expression that reflects entitlement and disregard for boundaries. The distressed background and warm tones evoke tension, referencing the fable of Goldilocks and the theme of using others’ possessions without consent.

Without Permission

An exploration of entitlement, boundaries, and the complexities of personal responsibility.

Without Permission reimagines the classic tale of Goldilocks, capturing a moment of modern entitlement. A young girl plays her brother’s game system without his permission, her expression oblivious to the breach of boundaries, mirroring the disregard for others seen in Goldilocks’ story.

In Without Permission, a young girl sits in a chair, gripping a game controller with intense focus, her expression one of determination and immersion. The scene is inspired by the fable of Goldilocks, whose unauthorized exploration of the bears’ home symbolizes a lack of awareness or concern for boundaries. Here, the girl uses her brother’s gaming system without his consent, embodying a similar sense of entitlement.

Her casual pose, ripped jeans, and disheveled demeanor contrast sharply with the intentionality of her actions. The rich textures and distressed background further emphasize the tension between her absorbed world and the reality of her disregard for respect and boundaries.

This painting encourages viewers to reflect on themes of personal responsibility, the violation of boundaries, and how entitlement can manifest in everyday actions. It draws on the timeless narrative of Goldilocks to explore the enduring relevance of respect, awareness, and accountability in human relationships.

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.