We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrienne Simes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrienne , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
For as long as I can remember I have loved art. I loved creating art, talking about it, learning about it and looking at art. My earliest memories are of making art; drawing and painting for many hours. I continued this path as I grew up, finding no other way to quench my artistic thirst than to create. I took every art class I could find, looking for opportunities to learn and grow as an artist, which eventually led me to a college degree in studio art. In college I was introduced to the idea of not just making art but teaching it. I had never thought nor been interested in teaching but the more I considered this opportunity the more it just made sense. Becoming a teacher has made me a stronger artist and solidified my understanding of my purpose in life. It is my purpose to bring my love and passion for art to the world. I can fulfill my purpose by continuing to create my own works and to empower the next generation of artists.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I make art!!!!! I live and breathe art. I make it, teach it, learn it and love it. I live by the mantra “art everyday”. This is something I take very seriously, ensuring to take time even on the most exhausting days to create and be creative. For me art is a journey where I continue to grow and learn, constantly refining and redefining my style and my craft. My art is very personal, each piece telling its own story. I love to share my art with others hearing the stories they make out of my work and seeing their enjoyment in my creations. I am currently working on a series of paintings that are mixed media acrylic and spray paint on canvas.I enjoy the challenge that mixed media brings, the way the layers interact and how the outcome seems more dynamic then if I stayed with a particular medium. I have been simultaneously preparing for a new series of paintings from my journey in the wonderfully spirited country of Peru. I look forward to producing this new series of mixed media works that abstractly represent my experiences from this trip. Each day I look forward to continuing my growth, making and sharing my work, and seeking opportunities for new exciting inspirations.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my journey as an artist I have used many skills to help me along the way. The most important and impactful qualities that I use daily are persistence, open mindedness, and the ability to find joy. My biggest advice to others that are struggling in their journey is to look beyond the skills that are more obvious and focus on the executive functioning skills. By focusing on these skills, like persistence, no matter what the road may look like on your journey you will be prepared to find success achieving your goals. A little persistence can take you a long way. My second piece of advice is to remain open minded. Keeping an open mind allows you to discover opportunities and think more creatively. Whether it is discovering a culture, traveling or attending an event, being open to diversity and difference creates a space for the integration and synthesis of new learning. As an artist an open mind allows me to discover new inspirations and continue to grow and learn.
And lastly, finding joy in what you do is vital to your success. I strive to find joy in the simple things that might occur daily, it is the joy in small things that can propel us from one moment to the next. It might be laughing through a mistake, enjoying the process and frustrations that come with creation or just being present in the moment to enjoy the experience. This mindset helps me to stay engaged, positive, and motivated to continue my artistic journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to find a business partner or group to collaborate with to bring some large scale murals to the communities of Central Texas that have very little art. Partners that have the same passions as I do as far as the importance of living around and among art. I would like to find local partnerships that can see the benefit of bringing more murals to their locations and would create or allow their physical space to be occupied by art. Giving opportunities to showcase local artists and creatives and their work in these spaces. Creating permanent displays and murals that infuse our community with a sense of belonging and a love for art. When art is embraced by the community you can see how pride in that community grows. You can connect with me via social media, my website simesart.com or email me at simesart@gmail.com, let’s make our communities a little brighter with some art!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simesart.com
- Instagram: simes.art
- Facebook: SIMES ART
- Other: simesart@gmail.com
Image Credits
Headshot by Ben Porter Photography
