Hello!
Thank you for stopping by. I hope that somewhere between these layers of color and texture, you can find some content that inspires you to explore your own creative process. Creativity is a much needed and sacred practice and it is my hope that I spark some of it within your heart.
I am an Afro-Caribbean islander learning to live life in the Midwest for the past 16 years.
Among my current roles as a wife, mother, and clinician… I am also a maker. A true lover of vibrant colors and textures with a relentless passion for Mixed Media Art. Being born and raised in the Dominican Republic, added a layer of appreciation for visual and expressive art and all sorts of creative endeavors. However, growing in a small town with limited opportunities, I had to depend on a great deal of imagination to be able to express myself creatively. Once I discovered how to do that, creativity became a natural practice to me. In the past I have enjoyed all sorts of paper crafts, such as scrapbooking, card-making, etc. However, I was always terrified about the idea of painting or drawing because I didn’t feel like I had the skills. I missed out on playing with paints because I felt constricted.
When I discovered Mixed Media, as an adult, a whole new world of possibilities opened up right in front of me! The more I read about, looked through magazines and watched tutorials, the more I wanted to explore with this process. The joy of playfulness and curiosity came back to me!
I can honestly say that along with faith and my community, art was able to keep me sane during a very stressful season while adjusting to a new culture here in the USA. It seemed as if with each layer of paint or texture that I explored with, I started rediscovering myself all over again. Reason why, one of the joys of my heart is to provide a space where people can gather and enjoy a sacred time of connection, as they embark in the adventure of exploring their personal creative process.
I do this by facilitating creative play groups at various events, gatherings and organizations. It is always a joy when participants tell me that these creative play groups have inspired them to be curious, playful and to reconnect with their creative heart. That said, I am so grateful that I get to play a small part in their creative journey.
I have had the incredible opportunity to have my work featured on several magazines. I am also a maker for Tim Holtz and every once in awhile I get to teach in different online platforms as well.
Very grateful to share in this space with you and I hope you enjoy it.
Jannette Simmons 