Cybele's Tower, 12x24 inches, oil and wood burning, $2000.00

There are two interpretations that I like of this piece. One is that of the five thousand year old Goddess Cybele who was mediator between nature and the works of man. A common depiction of her is her godhead crowned by city walls. The other interpretation is the Tower of the Tarot, which is the life and home we make for ourselves, which supports us, but also holds us in. In the Tarot the tower is falling, stuck by lightning. So nature does demand change.

Pyrography and Oil Process

Amanda Scott Artist Statement

I use the characteristics of the wood to determine the design. I begin with looking at the grain of the wood, and I wait to be inspired by what my mind imagines there. Sometimes I get the whole painting in a flash and go looking for the right piece of wood. Generally I like swirling, water like, patterns.

I may spray a thin layer of metal paint over the wood, perhaps stain it any color I like, or I will leave it natural. Then I draw the design out, keeping in mind the flow of the wood. I blend my lines into the that. Then burn the dark lines in with a phyrographic tool. All the shading I do with oils.

I will detail the face of my figure, but only draw out with minimal shading, her companion subject. I like to blend many styles (drawing, painting) of image making together to provide interest, and to also express my message which is that change is constant and that all things are connected. To finish a painting is to kill it with perfect stillness. I want movement, a sense of growth, appearing and disappearing of elements.