Art of the African World
John T. Scott: Sculptor Of Dream Windows
John T. Scott thinks that dreams are the keys to success, especially
for African Americans who all of their lives have been told what
they cannot do. Scott's sculptures say dream first, set your goals
from your dreams, then set about putting solid foundations under
them. John Scott would tell every collegian to dream, as he did.
Dreams have no limitations, of any kind. They free us, even from
the limitations of reason, logic, experience, and social environment.
Scott himself has been Art Department Chairman at Xavier University
for sixteen years. He has written about art and artists; he and
his art have been written about, in textbooks on contemporary
art. He now creates from his own studio, his own dream window,
art that may be seen world-wide. And he still dreams and creates.
Below we present John Scott's pieces from his Dream Window Series.
Dreams that free the spirits of African Americans, jazz, Africa,
and things that are diversions from dreams are all keys to the
Series. The center-piece of this Series, below, is Dancing at
the Crossroads (A Bridge Deferred). It is welded polychromed aluminum.
5x25x3.5 feet. Color and shape juxtaposed create an optical sense
of kinetics.
The other pieces from this Dream Window Series are all windows
through which we see the endless creative possibilities of those
who have dreamed. The underpinning notion of the window pieces
is that, psychologically, looking through windows allows people,
especially African Americans, to overcome barriers.
The pieces are currently on display at the Stern Gallery, 518
Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 529-1118.
All photos © Irving J. Johnson III
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