I was invited to submit works to this show, and four were displayed. Interpretation descriptions were included with the paintings.
Opening of the "Hidden/Unhidden" show in Chambersburg, PA, Oct. 6, 2023
"Is Anyone Out There Listening?"
Information about “Is Anyone Listening Out There?” by Leighton Scott
“Is Anyone Listening Out There?” is one of the unique surfaces Leighton has created
using a base of Z-Ment adhesive and by adding other materials. Many of his works have
a pleasant and minimalist look from a distance, which works well as part of room decor.
But when the surfaces are examined closely by a viewer, great complexity is revealed.
In this painting, Leighton used multiple layers of adhesive mortar mixed with acrylic
paints to create a complex surface that seems to have great depth. The glitter was
added in a random pattern to the final wet layer. As the viewing angle changes, the
glitter pattern changes. The complex variations in color and perceived depth invite a
comparison to actual photos of deep space.
One possible reaction by someone looking at the painting is reflected by the title.
But other interpretations are also possible. From deep space, has there been intelligent
life somewhere that has broadcast some sort of communication? Our world is curious,
and astronomers are scanning the heavens for answers.
Leighton is the first known artist to use adhesive mortar as an art medium and has
been creating unique surfaces since 1979. As a former NASA scientist, he has created
many similar paintings which he calls his “Meditation Galaxie” series. He uses that spelling
because of his love of the classic Ford Galaxie cars. Galaxie paintings have found
homes in several states from coast to coast. One resides at the Hagerstown, MD, VA
Clinic where it creates a calmer atmosphere in the therapy office for patients and
increases the effectiveness of treatment sessions for veterans with PTSD.
"Ocean Blues"
Information about "Ocean Blues" by Leighton Scott
In "Ocean Blues", acrylic paints were mixed with the white adhesive base using a dish-washing brush covered with paint to “beat” the color into the adhesive mortar base. As in classical paintings, the objective is to create a balanced weighting of the colors and a pattern that invites the eye to look at different areas. The resulting reflected light pattern is different and complex.
The question might be asked, “What lies hidden beneath the waters?”
"Fire Ash Over Antarctica"
Information about Fire Ash Over Antarctica“ by Leighton Scott
“Fire Ash Over Antarctica“ is one of the unique surfaces Leighton has created using a
base of Z-Ment adhesive and adding other materials. Many of his works have a
pleasant and fairly simple look from a distance, a look that works as well with modern
room decor. But when the surfaces are examined closely by a viewer, great complexity
is revealed.
In this painting, Leighton combined white adhesive mortar with abstract patches of
nearly-white stucco patch to create a surface that has a surface similar to what
Antarctica looks like from a high altitude. Then, black specks were added in a random
pattern to the painting while it was drying. The black material is actually imitation coal
which is used in model railroading.
This painting is part of his “Environmental Awareness” series where his paintings may
seem somewhat minimalist at first but are designed to encourage viewers to consider
environmental issues. Would the fly ash from fires on the continents actually reach
Antarctica? Recent events suggest that possibility. And like most abstract art, the
painting is subject to other interpretations.
"New Light"
Information about “New Light” by Leighton Scott
“New Light” is one of the unique surfaces Leighton has created using a base of Z-
Ment adhesive and adding other materials. In this case, acrylic paint was mixed with the
white adhesive base, and imitation coal used in model railroading and glitter were
added before everything dried. The reflected light pattern is different and complex.
The question might be asked, “Where is this new type of light coming from?”
Two other sister “New Light” paintings have sold, one to a New Jersey eBay buyer, and one to a Maryland resident at a charity auction in Marriottsville, Maryland.
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