ELEMENTAL VISIONS
American Art Collector|March 2023
Artist Michael Scott explores the mythology, symbolism and science of an existence born out of a chain of chemical— and alchemical—reactions.
JOHN O’HERN
ELEMENTAL VISIONS

My conflation of Michael Scott with fire began when I sat in his living room contemplating a large painting of a snowy owl rising phoenix-like from a fire as he cooked dinner for his guests over an open fire in his kiva. Over the years I’ve thought more about that conflation and about his representation of the four elements in his landscape paintings. I thought of them as representations of themselves-earth, air, fire, water as discreet elements in the landscape. Recently I saw his study, Geyser and Sky Fire, and suddenly grasped the depth of his representations of the elements, their interrelationships and their intimations of something other. The geyser became more than a visible explosion of water and steam. The phenomenon is caused by invisible fire deep within the earth. The sky fire is caused by the light from the nuclear fusion of the gases that make up the sun.

The landscape painter Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) wrote, “The magnificent beauty of the natural world is a manifestation of the mysterious natural laws that will be forever obscured from us.” Scott contem plates the “mysterious natural laws” but also delves into their scientific bases.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AMERICAN ART COLLECTORView all
FULL EXPOSURE
American Art Collector

FULL EXPOSURE

Photographer Conor Martin documents the present using photographic methods of the past.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Autumnal Light
American Art Collector

Autumnal Light

The landscapes and nature scenes of painter Jennifer Sowders are irresistibly tactile, filled with varying textures that seem to leap off the canvas.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Art for All
American Art Collector

Art for All

Members of Art Dealers Association of America come together for a philanthropic affair.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Modern Marketplace
American Art Collector

Modern Marketplace

Redwood Art Group brings together the San Diego region for another class-act celebration of contemporary artwork.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
An Enchanting Evening
American Art Collector

An Enchanting Evening

Scottsdale Artists’ School knows how to throw an art party.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Timeless Tales
American Art Collector

Timeless Tales

Soft, warm undertones underscore the mood of enchantment that runs through Nom Kinnear King’s paintings.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Next Exit New York
American Art Collector

Next Exit New York

Coming off his series that focused on San Francisco and Los Angeles freeway signs, artist Eric Nash’s sights are now set on New York. Now on view at George Billis Gallery's Manhattan location are seven of Nash's new oil paintings and two drawings that explore the signage of New York City freeways. Although Nash's work is tightly rendered, he doesn’t consider himself a photorealist, but rather someone who utilizes those techniques to express ideas.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Monster Mash
American Art Collector

Monster Mash

Vampires, witches, ghouls and all things that go bump in the night are the theme of the exhibition Monster Mash, now at Abend Gallery.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Inside/Outside
American Art Collector

Inside/Outside

Those familiar with Geoffrey Johnson's populated by inky figures and trailing shadows that bleed into the wet streets, and architectural elements obscured to varying degrees by the misty atmosphere.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Bold Figures; Bold Color
American Art Collector

Bold Figures; Bold Color

For Brooklyn based painter J Louis, it’s all about balance, which can mean many different things in a composition, but for Louis, it’s about balancing his female figures among a unique landscape of color.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024