Conversations with Contemporary Clayers: Wilma Simmons

Today's Profile: Wilma Simmons

 

1)Why are you an artist and what drew you to clay?

I am an artist because it makes me happy and gives me an appreciation of feeling free.

“ …. art reminds you that you have a soul.” Stella Adler

Clay is a versatile medium to express oneself.

2)How long have you been an artist?

I think we are all born artists. It just takes some of us time to develop the confidence to share with others. I have been sharing my art since 2005.

3)What is your favourite clay?

I  really enjoy the limitless possibilities of polymer clay, but my favourite is really whatever I am currently working with. 

4)What other materials do you like to incorporate in your work and why?

Textiles -  so fibres and fabric are usually there in my work.

5)What are you currently working on?

I like working with a mix of materials, especially naturally found objects so new works evolving from my message stick art dolls and tree sculptures currently monopolise my time. However, in a recent exhibition, I presented some of my photographic textile art although I am still experimenting with printing photos onto organza and silk and incorporating them and other mixed media elements on canvas.    

6)What inspires your work?

People, places, cultures, literature , art and my heritage.   

7)Is there a purpose to your artwork?

I hope that my work celebrates diversity, with a harmonious mixture of techniques, materials and ideas.

8)Which of your artwork pieces is your favourite?

I think a previous response answers this – whatever I am currently working on …

but I am fond of  “Three Wise Women” and “ White Knight”  and some of this year’s tree sculptures.

9)What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Do whatever makes you happy – that will show in your work.

10)Why do you like to teach?

I love teaching because it is truly a great privilege to empower another person with new ideas and  new skills  and  to help him/her to rediscover creative freedom.  

11)What would you like people to know about the upcoming Contemporary Craft Retreat in Canberra?

This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with other creative and talented people and to be inspired. It truly is a retreat – you can forget the world of realities and be immersed in and  transformed  by the collective creative energy. Regardless of what you create in the various workshops, the experience will be a catalyst for and confirmation of your creativity.

Artist’s statement : Wilma Simmons

I call my art works “handmade treasures” which are inspired by people, places, heritage and literature, and are influenced by an eclectic range of media and approaches. I can’t boast of a childhood interest in creating art, unless designing paper clothes for paper cut out dolls counts! After University when I married and lived in small isolated country towns, I joined spinning, weaving, macramé and pottery craft groups and sewed, knitted and crocheted clothes for myself and our children. My interest in textiles remained a hobby while I followed a career in English and Drama teaching. Cloth doll making, embroidery and beading alleviated the everyday work stress of being a high school principal, a job which also gave me great joy and satisfaction. Not being a “retiring” type, when I finished work in 2005, I began to teach beading and art doll making, gave birth to Empress Wu Designs, volunteered with a village project in Papua New Guinea and became an accredited Contemporary Clay Instructor (polymer clay and precious metal clay – silver). My current work is a coalescence of both past and newly acquired skills, techniques and ideas.

Wilma Simmons details:

http://empresswu.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.facebook.com/Empress.Wu.Designs