Ann Simms

Bio: Artist Statement: Valley of the Shadow

We all have times of significant life changes when we experience the unexpected or unwanted need to change direction. Even a planned shift can bring surprising periods of unrest and uncertainty and leave us off balance. In this body of work I am speaking visually to the process of such times. The awareness of choice points, uncertainly, fear, loss and anger are all represented here. As are moments of wisdom, solace, perseverance and hope.And perhaps most important is the exploration of what sustains us during the journey.This body of work reflects that exploration.

I am very much in relationship with the canvas and the medium as I work . While I may start with an intuitive attraction to a color palate,canvas size, a feeling or memory the image becomes much more than those initial thoughts in the construction of the image. My paintings are densely layered and often incorporate alternative materials to create depth and texture. The process of experimentation and building up the surface is central to my eventual ability to seen beyond the obvious. The titles come at the end and I know that the work has become “itself” when I begin to hear the name as I work

While mindful of technical issues during the process, I believe that it is the suspension of conscious intent for much of the process that leads to moments of truth, surprise, and ultimate insight into the meaning of the work.

Perhaps you may see something of your own story here.



CV:

Ann Simms
Selected Exhibitions:



Solo Show:


Dark Horse in a Pretty Dress
ArtWorkSF Gallery, San Francisco, CA, January 2008


Group Shows:

San Francisco Travel Commission
Random Stops, November 2011-March 2012
Misho Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Abstract Landscapes, January 2012
Los Angeles Center for Digital Art
Snap to Grid, December 2011
Gallery 28, San Francisco, CA
Annual Competition, July 2011
Diego Rivera Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Summer Show, August 2010
Aurora Colors Gallery, Petaluma, CA
Abstract, Color & Texture, October 2008
ArtWorkSF Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Best of Show, July 2007
ArtWorkSF Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Mixed Messages. April 2007
ArtWorkSF Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Lost In Translation: August 2006
Diego Rivera Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Summer Show: August 2006
University of California at Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Make Something with your Hands: April 2006
Gallery 24, Berlin, Germany
2005 International Assemblage Competition, September – October 2005
Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, Los Angeles, CA
Snap to Grid, September-October 2005
Blue Room Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Exhibit, December 2004 - January 2005
The Mission Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
Mission Arts Party, January 2004
Focus Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Landscape, Real or Imagined, May 2003
Gallery 402, New York, NY
Selections, December 3-20, 2002; selected best of show
The Perfect Exposure Gallery, Los Angeles, California
Aesthetics, 2002, Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco Black and White Gallery, San Francisco, CA
The Streets of San Francisco: Images of an Urban Landscape, March 2002
Hollis Street Project, Emeryville, CA
Chemistry, January–March 2002
Millard Sheets Gallery, Pomona, CA
Photography 2000, September, 2000
Hotel Ibis Alysia, Paris, France
A Sense of Place, July 2000
Education:
The Fine Print Tutorial: Frank Espada, San Francisco CA
Taking the Leap: fine art practicum with Cay Lang, 2001-02
San Francisco Art Institute: Black and White photography, technique/concept, and criticism; Collage and Assemblage, Painting
University of California at Berkeley: Study Abroad: Photographing Paris , Painting and Mixed Media
MSW, University of Denver,
BA, University of South Carolina,

Residencies:
The Artist in the Studio: Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA, 2003

Affiliations:

The Photo Alliance: San Francisco. CA
Workspace Limited
Mission Artists United
The 200 Yards Photo Project

2150 Folsom St, Studio 11 San Francisco, CA 94110
www.annsimms.com