Michael Scott: Preternatural Water

Michael Scott:

Michael Scott continues his decade long conversation with the the four elements of the landscape: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The upcoming exhibition, Preternatural Water examines the properties and power of water to destroy or renew.

A long time resident of New Mexico, Scott has traversed the country visiting the US’s National Parks to start small plein air “conversations”, as the artist refers to his out of door study paintings. Many of these studies become mid-size and then large paintings reflecting the animate and spiritual power of America’s most remarkable landscapes.

In the painting “White Water and Broken Canoe” turbulent white water has destroyed the boat, itself a metaphor for any obstacle that has appeared in one’s life journey. While the canoe hints at discoveries waiting downstream, it also suggests an opportunity for resilience; one can rebuild the boat and prepare for life’s next challenge.

“The natural world is a great teacher and if we listen closely we decipher its language and learn how the spirit of the planet helps us survive.”