Alison Simons
Artwork for Alison Simons
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
Painting with fluid acrylics is a science, which is why I'm drawn to it so much. The consistency of the paint is critical, so I will often spend a few hours mixing and testing paints before approaching the canvas. Adding a variety of different ingredients to the paint can cause mesmerising interactions of the paint and when used in a controlled way, can bring a lot of texture and interest to a painting. I create paintings full of vibrant colours and energy, celebrating nature, fantasy and escapism themes. I have developed techniques such as using air pressure to blow the paints, or dragging them with acetate sheet or palette knives and even skewers to create abstract and impressionist works. Sometimes I use the fluid part of the painting as a background which I can then use my brush skills to good effect over the top, and other times I will carefully control the paint to become the subject of the piece, such as with my well-known dragons. At times I use 23.5K gold leaf for further embellishment. With this type of painting, the paint drips over the side of the canvas and the colours drip into each other forming the most exquisite patterns. I allow these to dry into thin leathery sheets called 'skins'. Once these are fully cured, they can then be used to form stunning jewellery, or to decorate the bottoms of wine glasses. Each piece is bespoke due to the organic nature in which the skins are formed. As I use iridescent and metallic paints in my artwork, the sunlight captures these particles in the jewellery causing a beautiful shimmer.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
During my career as a neurophysiologist, I have always needed a creative outlet and painting with fluid acrylics satisfies both my creativity and scientific mind. I use painting as a form of self-expression as well as for the simple joy found in creating. To be able to share my art with others is a privilege. In today's society it is easy to get caught up in day-to-day worries, pressures and busyness. My aim through my art is to provide a moment of escapism, and to draw my audience into a world of colour and vibrancy.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Fluid Acrylic Artist
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I create my fluid acrylic artwork in my studio, which is contained within Aetheria Gallery & Studio in Great Malvern. From there I run workshops in fluid acrylics every couple of months, as well as a still-life drawing session twice a month. I also have a home studio where I create my jewellery and experiment with other artforms. Alongside creating, I founded Aetheria Gallery & Studio in November 2024. I exhibit my own work in the gallery as well as that of other carefully selected local artists.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
My background education is in Neurophysiology, which I still do for two days per week in the NHS. My art has been self-taught, gradually becoming more dominant in my life and is now my main career.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Aetheria Gallery & Studio, Malvern, November 2024 - ongoing as Artist in Residence
Stratford Town Hall, December 2025
Worcester Guildhall, November 2025
Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, September 2025,
h.Art, Aetheria Gallery & Studio, Malvern, September 2025
Worcester Open Studios, Aetheria Gallery & Studio, Malvern, August 2025
Three Choir's Festival, Hereford Cathedral, July 2025
Stratford Town Hall, July 2025
RHS Malvern Spring Show, Three Counties Showground, May 2025,
Stratford Town Hall, December, 2024
Stratford Town Hall, November, 2024
Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, September 2024
h.Art, Brockhampton Church, September 2024
Three Choir's Festival, Worcester Cathedral 2024
Worcester Guildhall, July 2024
Stratford Town Hall, July 2024
Stratford Town Hall, June 2024
Goodheart Sanctuary Summer Fair, June 2024
RHS Spring Garden Show, Three Counties Showground, May 2024
Victorian Fair, Worcester Guildhall, December 2023
Stratford Town Hall, December 2023
Stratford Town Hall, November 2023
Stratford Town Hall, October 2023
Malvern Autmn Show, Three Counties Showground, September 2023
h.Art, Brockhampton Church, September 2023
Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester Cathedral, July 2023
Upton Blues Festival, Upton-upon-Severn Memorial Hall, July 2023
Stourport Manor Hotel, June 2023
Worcester Guildhall, June 2023
RHS Spring Garden Show, Three Counties Showground, May 2023
Tewkesbury Town Hall, May 2023
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Aetheria Gallery & Studio, 3 Edith Walk, Malvern, Worcestershire. WR14 1UY.
My Website https://www.dragonrunecrafts.co.uk