Statement of Artistic Intent

I create in order to document my subjective responses to significant events, figures, and objects. I perceive these events, figures, etc. as reflections or symbols of the human condition. Therefore, my artwork typically contains allegorical or symbolically narrative scenes through which I hope to convey the underlying and profound meaning I find in my environment.

By juxtaposing figures, inanimate objects, and contemporary images in my works, (e.g., the frustrated gesture of a hand, the neglected decay of an old building, and the unleashed violence of a riot), I seek to create an atmosphere expressive of those universal and human elements which drew a response from me. The images I create must have a certain degree of believability - must effectively convey the essence of the object, figure, or event - which will strike a kinship with and elicit an emotional response from the viewer.

Carter J. Scaggs