may | artist...

Q & A with Scott Hill

What are you interested in right now?

I am known for painting Bermuda’s children, however, I do paint Bermuda’s neighborhoods as landscapes. In the last couple of years, as I have grown and developed, I have begun to focus on the role of women in society. My recent series of women hanging clothes and interacting, has been warmly embraced by collectors. From time to time, I re-visit this universal theme of the laundress. My new work differs from those of the early eighties as you might imagine. They are stronger and quieter.

Your art is on display at the Bermuda National Gallery’s permanent collection. This is a great achievement! Please tell us your thoughts on this great honor?

They are incredibly handsome walls and I am honored to have two of my paintings hung in the Gallery’s permanent collection. I was also thrilled that donors loved my work so much that they felt moved to join me in donating work to the Gallery. It is good that Bermuda has recognized the historical importance of stonecutters. One of my Stonecutter Works hangs in The Bermuda National Gallery’s Permanent Collection and the Bermuda Post Office released a stamp in 2006 which depicts another image from my Stonecutter series.

How do you see your role in today’s society?

I see the art I produce as a visual dialogue between the viewer and myself. I am broadening my view. When I consider the question of my role in today’s society I would have to say it is in large part to observe and question. The questions I am asking seem to be more complex while the art is simplifying. Some of the new works I have produced are ear marked for an exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts in the fall. This invitational exhibition is titled ‘The Prophet.’ Some of these new works have already sold. One of my new style paintings was selected for this years 2008 Bacardi Biennial at the Bermuda National Gallery.

You have told me that you are widening your view.
Please tell me more about this.

Today, I find myself at a crossroads. It feels as though a paradigm shift is taking me to new horizons. Until recently, I felt isolated and uncertain about where and how to take my vision as an artist.

I felt unsure about how to develop my skills as a businesswoman.
What has shifted and changed your view of yourself?

I have been searching for ways to grow and reading a lot of self help books. I decided to attend the Hoffman Institute and participate in a course called the Hoffman Process. This has enabled me to have a much clearer view of myself and my role in society. I yearned for years to have a mentor who shared my philosophy, as well as my ethical and moral view of the world. The universe has given me one. I knew I needed a holistic approach to business and I am happy to have a mentor who has the qualities I need to help me continue to grow and develop.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

I would tell aspiring artists that I have learned that the only person I can change is myself. I always worked to my strengths which was to produce meaningful art.