Scottie Wilson (1888–1972), born Louis Freeman in Glasgow, Scotland, was a self-taught artist known for his intricate and vibrant works that blend fantasy and nature. After serving in World War I and working various jobs, including as a second-hand goods dealer, Wilson began drawing later in life around 1935. His art, often referred to as "outsider art," was deeply imaginative and filled with recurring motifs like birds, fish, flowers, and totem-like figures. His style featured dense, flowing patterns with a sense of symmetry, often using simple tools like pens and pencils.
Wilson's work gained attention in the 1940s when it was discovered by art patrons and collectors, including Picasso and Jean Dubuffet, the latter of whom praised Wilson’s raw, unfiltered creativity. His pieces were exhibited internationally, from London to New York, despite his disdain for the traditional art world, which he considered elitist.
Scottie Wilson is remembered for his unique, visionary art that sprang from a deeply personal, self-taught process. He continued creating until his death in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of works celebrated for their originality and beauty.