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Let me introduce myselfMy name is Juanita Simonich. Born in Northeastern Montana, I have an appreciation for wide open spaces, but I was successfully transplanted into Colorado where I came to love the beauty of the mountains, streams, forests and rocky cliffs which show up often in my art.
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Artist Statement
Creativity is at the core of how I was designed by the author of creativity. Creating things of beauty feeds my inner being and takes me to a happy place. Sharing beauty that nourishes the inner person is the primary purpose of my art.
As with most artists, creativity has taken me down many paths, some of which were: throwing pots, dying batiks, cake decorating, designing and constructing quilts for books and magazines, guiding customers in choosing palettes for their quilts, designing fabrics sold worldwide to mention a few.
After selling a successful quilt shop in 2006, I was able to devote much more time to growing my first love, fine art. I began with an emphasis on figure drawing, then watercolor portraits.
My current obsession is working in mixed media. Images are manipulated on paper until they are not recognizable, then I attach the papers to wood or canvas. I interact with the piece and find an emotion or experience that guides me. The painting begins to reveal itself and often I am not quite in control of what happens. If you look closely, you will notice a grid like structure in many of the paintings. Other common threads in these painting are numerous layers of paint, textures and small circular shapes all working together to create imaginative places or stories. It becomes a piece that captures the eye. Not only does it read well as a whole, but it has delightful areas scattered throughout.
As with most artists, creativity has taken me down many paths, some of which were: throwing pots, dying batiks, cake decorating, designing and constructing quilts for books and magazines, guiding customers in choosing palettes for their quilts, designing fabrics sold worldwide to mention a few.
After selling a successful quilt shop in 2006, I was able to devote much more time to growing my first love, fine art. I began with an emphasis on figure drawing, then watercolor portraits.
My current obsession is working in mixed media. Images are manipulated on paper until they are not recognizable, then I attach the papers to wood or canvas. I interact with the piece and find an emotion or experience that guides me. The painting begins to reveal itself and often I am not quite in control of what happens. If you look closely, you will notice a grid like structure in many of the paintings. Other common threads in these painting are numerous layers of paint, textures and small circular shapes all working together to create imaginative places or stories. It becomes a piece that captures the eye. Not only does it read well as a whole, but it has delightful areas scattered throughout.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Home Economics, Montana State University
Master's Degree, Clothing & Textiles, Montana State University
Arapahoe Community College, Fine Arts Dept. Classes
Studied art under numerous instructors including:
Edith Niblo, Emily Griffith Opportunity School
Robert Grotiot
Ted Nuttel
Joanne Burney
Mary Morrison
Other:
Three Person Show; Chinook Gallery, Cherry Creek
Three Person Show in Colorado Congressional Offices
Piece purchased for Rep. Patricia Schroeder's Office
Arapahoe Community College President's choice
Jewish Community Collectors Mart: Juried
Colorado Gallery of Arts Community Show: Juried
Featured Shop in Better Homes & Gardens, Quilt Sampler 2005
Cover Art for When No One is Watching, Westbow Press
Featured designer in Better Homes & Gardens, American Patchwork & Quilting, 2000
Illustrated numerous quilting pattern books and cookbooks
Judged:
Arapahoe County Quilters Annual Exhibit
Quilt Shows at Fabric Expressions
Lectured & Taught Classes at:
Houston International Quilt Market
Colorado Quilt Council
Evergreen Quilt Guild
Wray Quilts of the Plains Festival
Boston International Quilt Market
Wisconsin Quilt Guild Workshops, Fond du Lac
Bachelor's Degree, Home Economics, Montana State University
Master's Degree, Clothing & Textiles, Montana State University
Arapahoe Community College, Fine Arts Dept. Classes
Studied art under numerous instructors including:
Edith Niblo, Emily Griffith Opportunity School
Robert Grotiot
Ted Nuttel
Joanne Burney
Mary Morrison
Other:
Three Person Show; Chinook Gallery, Cherry Creek
Three Person Show in Colorado Congressional Offices
Piece purchased for Rep. Patricia Schroeder's Office
Arapahoe Community College President's choice
Jewish Community Collectors Mart: Juried
Colorado Gallery of Arts Community Show: Juried
Featured Shop in Better Homes & Gardens, Quilt Sampler 2005
Cover Art for When No One is Watching, Westbow Press
Featured designer in Better Homes & Gardens, American Patchwork & Quilting, 2000
Illustrated numerous quilting pattern books and cookbooks
Judged:
Arapahoe County Quilters Annual Exhibit
Quilt Shows at Fabric Expressions
Lectured & Taught Classes at:
Houston International Quilt Market
Colorado Quilt Council
Evergreen Quilt Guild
Wray Quilts of the Plains Festival
Boston International Quilt Market
Wisconsin Quilt Guild Workshops, Fond du Lac