Scott’s sculptures exhibit history, nature
ART WAVES ROBERTA CARASSO

    Some artists make art; Marsh Scott makes the world beautiful with her art. For several years, Scott has been involved in creating site-specific wall and hanging sculptures, and paintings for schools, housing developments, hospitals, beach areas, local communities and now in several parts of the country.
    Scott likes the challenge of making individual pieces for specific sites. Characteristically, she hones in on the history of a site, the nature of the environment and the people who will enjoy the art. She works in both the narrative and abstract. Her narratives sculptures are about history, developed for a particular site to define the essence of that community. Essential elements are how the community evolved and the people who were responsible for its beginnings. In “Steps in the Sand,” created for Crescent Bay Villas of Laguna Beach, Scott conceived of a large steel and concrete sculpture to honor the countless people who have come to the beach. This includes a Native American woman carrying shells, her tribe spear fishing, a Spanish padre walking between missions, an artist in a tent, a surfer, and children playing in the sand. Commissioned by Pfizer Corporation in Irvine,” Back Bay Wanderings” includes birds, reeds and cat tails. For Sand Canyon, Scott researched the history of the 1860 ranchos contrasting them with current Orange County dwellings.
    Corporations, medical, residential and community groups have sought Scott’s public art, made from acrylic, mixed media and stainless steel, to enliven their environments.
    In 2005 and 2006, Scott created many projects that uplift those who are fortunate enough to see her art. For example, last year, she was commissioned to create a wall sculpture for the new Women’s Pavilion of Hoag Memorial Hospital. Made of polished steel, the sculpture welcomes those entering the pavilion. It depicts a relaxing walk on the beach, with the Newport Pier in the distance and the ubiquitous sandpiper. Certainly, the sculpture brings beauty and comfort, a quality inherent in all Scott’s work, but needed more by those in a hospital setting.
    Among her recent collaboration is a work-in-progress with artist Sherry Bullard for the Pottery Shack redevelopment. The sculpture, called “Greetings from Laguna,” features a metal perimeter resembling willow branches that Scott rendered. In the center of each willow configuration are sculpted tiles resembling postcards that Bullard created. The postcards were inspired from historic Laguna postcards. They are made from carved, fired and glazed clay that adds an authentic and a nostalgic touch that is pure Laguna Beach. Among Scott’s more impressive work is “Floating Leaves” for Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. Suspended from the ceiling are graceful painted aluminum leaves in an open, two-story atrium. The leaves gyrate gently with air flow and give the health center an uplifting, spirited feeling. From below, visitors look up to colored leaves slowly turning. From above, looking down, the leaves are like a giant mobile that everyone enjoys, no matter where they are.
    Scott exhibits in many artistic venues. However, her involvement with the Sawdust Art Festival is particularly admirable. Exhibiting since 1999, Scott has been on the board of directors for three years; and, for the past two years, has been board president.
    This requires not only her creative talents, but attending meetings and helping the board make decisions that improve the Sawdust Festival so it continues to be one of the highlights of Laguna Beach for the summer and winter visitors. The theme this year is “40 Creative Years,” a special accomplish for the artistic community and for Marsh Scott.

Sculptures: Commissions and Installations