John Simpkins - Portrait of an Artist

This is an art film. Filmed at Ravenscroft, Camp Sherman, Oregon, 1997. Featuring the voice of Doug Arditti.

"I am a passionate spirit, a painter, a dreamer, following my heart, hoping to achieve unconditional love, stumbling often along the way, with a strong desire to learn, grow and help others on the path..."

John Simpkins was born and raised in the Napa Valley of California, where he started developing his unique style of intuitive art early. Later, he pursued his artistic muse at Napa College and with private tutoring by Earl Thollander. When Simpkins felt that his work was too similar to that of his tutor, however, he set out to free himself of expectations and preconceptions.

His search brought him to museums and libraries in both the U.S. and Europe. His style developed until he had created an art form that can please with a single glance but also allows the viewer to study the paintings in order to discover layers of meaning. "My work evolves slowly and intuitively from the heart," he says.

Unafraid to explore and adapt, he asks questions. What is goodness? Who is God? Who am I? He puzzles over issues of race, the soul, relationships, and choices.

Since 1976, Simpkins has had one-man shows in California and has exhibited from California to England. His work hangs in more than 20 private collections and in the Rene and Veronica di Rosa Foundation Collection. He resided on rural mountain property that he named Ravenscroft in honor of the bird he has chosen as his personal totem. "For me, the raven symbolizes knowledge, mystery, an inner voice, and the wisdom within. It is my personal animal spirit, guide and mascot." On Ravenscroft, John Simpkins painted, gardened, and cooked in the company of his birds, llamas and dog, Upton Lewis. "The child within who loves to create can do so without the hindrance of knowledge", he says.

John Simpkins web page:
http://www.myspace.com/jonzen08

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• Artist
• Sisters
• Camp
• Sherman
• Oregon