The Dream, from Recent Walk: The Dreamer Part II Series, 1996

Since 1951, my art practice has evolved through numerous cycles of narrative figure paintings. Often I use literature as a device through which to structure a series.

From 1951 through 1986, the two series entitled Description of a Struggle and Are You Really Looking for Me? used as a construction and inspiration specific short stories written by Franz Kafka. My paintings, stories of love lost and found were emotionally charged moments from everyday life. During this period I surrounded any large painted image with a white border that
included a text in a diary-like monologue. This border allowed direct reference to photography, that is, the polaroid format. The painting style was flat with a deliberate absence of gestural brushwork or modelled form.

With the series Blindman's Buff (1987 - 1989), this border disappeared. In addition, my technique became more involved with the old master process of underpainting and varnishing. The point of departure for these works was the 1791 painting by Francisco Goya of the same name. This series focuses on the undercurrent of seemingly innocent game-playing by children as well as adults.

For six years I have been working on the series The Dreamer which reworks the story of Joseph and the Coat of Many Colours from the Old Testament of the Bible. In my reinterpretation of this story I have changed Joseph to Josephine - my daughter, myself - the artist and hence the Dreamer. These paintings combine techniques of coloured glazes as well as the interspersal of some images in sepia tones only, which help to suggest memory and flashbacks. As in all of my work, it is my deepest desire to invite the viewer to experience a personal reaction to the emotion evoked in these painted stories.

Susan G. Scott, 1996