A painting by Deborah Scott titled Curiouser, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It depicts a young woman in a blue dress falling calmly through a dark space filled with nostalgic branded items, including the Pillsbury Doughboy, the Mystery Date game, Red Rose Tea, the Kool-Aid Man, and Mr. Peanut. The composition is rich with texture and layers, evoking themes of curiosity, nostalgia, and self-discovery as the figure navigates this surreal and chaotic descent.

Curiouser

An imaginative exploration of nostalgia, identity, and navigating the unknown.

Curiouser reimagines the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, depicting a young woman falling calmly through a surreal space filled with nostalgic branded products from the past. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the balance between curiosity, memory, and self-discovery.

In Curiouser, a young woman in a delicate blue dress reminiscent of Alice from Alice in Wonderland is shown gracefully falling through a dark, layered space. Unlike Alice’s frantic descent, this figure remains calm and composed, a serene presence amidst the swirling chaos. Surrounding her are a mix of iconic nostalgic items: the Pillsbury Doughboy, the Mystery Date board game, Red Rose Tea, the Kool-Aid Man, Mr. Peanut, and more. Each object evokes a sense of familiarity, humor, and cultural memory, grounding her surreal journey in the comforts of the past.

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless story, Curiouser uses the metaphor of falling down the rabbit hole to explore themes of curiosity, nostalgia, and personal exploration. The branded objects serve as both markers of time and symbols of how cultural touchstones shape identity and memory.

The rich textures and layered composition create a sense of depth and timelessness, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. This painting asks viewers to consider: How do we navigate the pull of the past while embracing the uncertainties of the future?

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.