Description
‘Nature vs Nurture’ by Scott G. Brooks
Artist: Scott G. Brooks
Title: ‘Nature vs Nurture’
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 24” x 36”
Framing: Unframed
Year of Creation: 2017
About the Artwork:
“Nature vs Nurture explores the age old argument of who we are, and why we behave the way we do. I chose a religious metaphor as the basis of the painting because I feel it has such a powerful impact on the lives of so many people. While biology is a powerful factor in determining our development, our senses are bombared with imagery and messages about what to buy, how to act and who we should like or dislike from a very early age, be it from family, religion or mass media.” – Scott G. Brooks
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
Scott G Brooks lives and works in Baltimore, MD. His paintings are figurative, and range from simple portraiture to intricate narratives. It incorporates social, psychological, and political issues, usually infused with a dark sense of humor. Anatomical distortions separate the figures from the photographic ideal, creating a deeply personal distorted reality. His work is uncomprimising, twisted and offbeat, sentimental, and disturbing.
(Artist Statement)
My work starts with a desire, and ability, to paint. It comes from an attempt to be part of history, and achieve immortality. It comes from stubbornness and refusing to give up. My work must be personal and private to succeed, so it’s about exposing myself. There are risks and resistance on my part.
Technically, the challenge is to create light, volume, and texture. Art is a reflection of our time and today, in the midst of the digital revolution, our perception is changing as well. The development of CGI, and it’s ability to synthesise “life” has forced me to look deeper into how I use paint to represent “life” .
Much of my painting process involves exploring and experimenting. Finding the right color, searching for the correct perspective or vanishing point. The right pattern or gesture of the hand. I also have a background in illustration, but I am only now embracing my experience and the technical skills I have learned and incorporating them into my art.
Using a language that is easily understood, I tell stories. I weave figures, symbols, and elements together to create a narrative to share with an audience.