Beyon The Pale I, Jewish, Native American Symbolist Painting

Dimensions: H: 29.25, W: 29.25 IN

Genre: Modern Subject: Abstract Medium: Mixed Media Surface: Paper Dimensions: 19 1/2" x 19 1/2" Dimensions w/Frame: 29 1/4" x 29 1/4"

Simon, an award-winning mixed media artist with four Best Of Show honors, and numerous other distinctions, has been featured in over a dozen one-woman shows and many group exhibits. She has a master's of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa, and has divided her time between Colorado, Iowa and New Zealand. The prestigious Southwest Art magazine a few years ago featured Simon on its cover along with a profile in a two-page spread. "Mine is a happy-go-lucky world where everyone gets along, cares for one another and celebrates the day," Simon remarks. "I am hoping to refine my images to the elegance of a simple Haiku, the short poem that captures a single perfect moment in time — a peaceful kingdom. "In much of my work, I enjoy thinking about what goes on in the canyons, the seas and the nighttime, when no one is watching, perhaps joy and playfulness and even deep thoughts occur during those unseen hours," she says. Simon draws on the past's creative techniques and designs to put her works into action on canvas. "Although my inspiration comes from far and wide, light, nature and the Native American Ancients are the strongest aspects in my works," Simon says. "For many years I have been deeply interested in the play of light, shapes and patterns in nature, and the spiritual, decorative elements of the First Nations." Her efforts are developed by studying the Byzantine manuscript, cave paintings, the Southwest palette, and contemporary abstract styles, like those of Ginni Thomas. Cataloging her works in themes such as "Magic Carpet Series," Simon's creative juices reflect ethereal floating objects in colorful seas of airy animation. "The 'small and ordinary' are hallmarks of my works," she adds. Sneaking into many of her paintings are subtle vertical "stripes," which she attributes to her Iowa cornfield upbringing. In addition to her paintings, Simon utilizes watercolors and makes paper, which she enhances with pastels, gouache, metallic thread and found objects. In addition to teaching these stylistic techniques, producing wearable artworks in beads and making dolls, Simon plays the wooden flute. The world of symbols and their meanings was notably pursued by Paul Klee and Juan Miro. Each was unique in his vision yet both created fantasy worlds. Ms. Simon also has the visionary view and she is primarily a visual poet. The multiplicity of her forms reveals her many resources and a rich imagination. Music plays a large part in the Simon household: Her concert pianist husband Peter, and son Saling, a recent Harvard grad, tour internationally as Simon & Son.