Susan Simmons

Let paint be paint! I’m not out to copy what already is, but express how I feel about it

My mother may have been my greatest influence into my artistic journey, although I was an expressionist painter as a baby! When people ask me “when did you decide to become an artist?” the answer I want to give is “when did you decide to start breathing?”

Of course, the poignancy of the idea supersedes such a cynical reply. That said, I don’t have a cynic cell in my body!

My first “official” painting was a finger painting, which I remember as clearly as yesterday. I was about four years old and it was my birthday. We still lived on Sterling Drive in Oklahoma City.

When I went to the university my grandmother paid for my tuition and art supplies, while I paid for my food and lodging. For some unknown reason she felt the need to constantly say to me “don’t forget about your art”. I never understood that, as I was always doing art!

Art is in the clouds, the earth and the soul. It’s everywhere and ever-expanding. It’s in outer space and inner space. I explore every possibility in expression. Observation keeps me my mind sharp, focused and ignites my creative spark.

Paint has personality just as it is, falls, and flows. Paint ...

Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Texas at Austin

Ryder's Cup
Arts of Snohomish
Everett Community College
University of Texas