October 09, 2014
CERAMICIST EVE SIMMONS
Choosing a creative path was never really in question for Eve Simmons. But she was less sure when it came to deciding exactly which one. Eve had been raised in Sydney’s Northern Beaches by a photographer father and a mother who dabbled in a few different art-based mediums. After her family moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and she completed high school, Eve studied fashion. It’s where her interest in textiles, printing and photography developed. But it wasn’t until she started working with clay that she found her calling. “The moment I sat at the wheel I knew ceramics was for me,” she says. “It challenges me like no other medium I’ve experimented with. It’s going to take me a lifetime to master - if ever. I think I’ve found my match.”
Which five words best describe you? Creative, eclectic, passionate, determined, grateful.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Being a mother has allowed me the freedom to explore a number of different artistic career paths over the years. Ceramics has always been in the back of my mind and it’s only now that my children are approaching school age that I am putting more time into doing what I love. My entire life I have been in search of creative avenues that inspire and excite me. Ceramics is a natural evolution in this exploration. It entwines my love of sculpture, design, painting and photography, while constantly challenging me mentally and creatively.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Do what you love and everything will fall into place. Be patient, persistent and always grateful.
What’s your proudest career achievement? When I sit back and think about all the things I’ve done over the years, I feel proud that I have created jobs from artistic things I enjoy doing, whilst being at home to raise my family. My house may be a mess some days, but we’ve had lots of fun doing it.
What’s been your best decision? To never settle for a career that doesn’t make me happy and to always be present for my children as they grow up.
Who inspires you? I am inspired and energised by so many people and things. My father, Michael Simmons, is a talented photographer, sculptor and furniture maker. He inspires me with his unique ideas and critical, lovingly judgmental eye. My mother, Linda Jenkin, is a yoga teacher, artist and collector of interesting objects. She inspires me with her philosophy, reminding me to stay true to my heart and allow the process to unfold. My aunty, Mia Galo, is a brilliant artist whose passionate nature and artistic experience helps guide my ideas and inspires me to give anything a go. In terms of well know people that inspire me, Andy Goldsworthy’s environmental sculptures are incredible and have me in awe.
What are you passionate about? Learning new skills. I’m an avid researcher of art and crafts that take my interest. Clay and glaze formulation ignite a fire within me, keeping me challenged and always wanting more. Painting, pattern, textiles, printing, ceramics and photography will always be my life’s passion.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Florence Broardhurst, she led an extraordinary life
What dream do you still want to fulfill? My ultimate dream is to follow summer. Next to that I would love to live directly by the beach and to one day financially support my family with my art.
What are you reading? Glazes and glazing techniques by Greg Daly, and The essential guide to mold making and slip casting by Andrew Martin.
images courtesy of eve simmons