SF Art Speaks: An Interview with Angela Simione
*paintings by Angela Simione, see more on her art blog.
Angela Simione is a Bay Area painter whose work comes from the feminist perspective that the personal is political. She creates provocative pieces that make you think and cause you to debate. Despite the serious controversy that can be drummed up by some of her pieces, Angela has a fun, light-hearted approach to life. She loves the diversity of the city, she enjoys the work that she does and she’s excited to meet other creative folks in the city. In this interview with San Fran Voice, she tells us about the motivations behind some of her work and the places she loves in San Francisco.
What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork?
My artwork bounces back and forth from being extremely personal, based in private experiences, to being a more general social critique. I have always been on board with the Feminist outlook that the personal is political, and my work is largely an investigation into that idea. I use oil painting to describe my own experiences and emotions. I feel free to explore metaphor and symbolism when I’m working with paint. The other facet of my practice, the more political side, are items rendered in traditional Women’s Work like crochet, embroidery, and cross-stitch. These practices are very time-consuming and so I’ve got a lot of time to think about what I’m trying to say with the work. Those pieces are less about me personally and more about isolating aspects of social expectation and gender bias.
Can you explain the name of your art blog (The Shape of Secrets)?
The name of my art blog, The Shape of Secrets, is a direct reference to the notion that all artwork is essentially a self-portrait. Every image an artist creates does say something about who they are as a person, even if it is simply about their taste in color, an object they’re attracted to, or a political outlook. All art is preference and that statement includes the person who MADE the art. A person’s aesthetic choices can sometimes be extremely telling. Since my practice is largely based in personal psychology and introspection, each image is an insight (i.e. secret) into my personality and the formation of my character. I use the blog to talk about the creation of these images, their intent, and personal significance; and as a tool to help me reach a clearer understanding of my own art practice and what I’d like the work to accomplish.
What projects are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a fairly large scale installation project that deals with the opposing moral values and social/gender expectations we are taught to conform to during childhood. I’m taking inspiration from everything- the Disney Princess collection, the Bratz dolls, American secular Christianity, contemporary song lyrics, and my own experiences and memories of childhood. The installation includes straight-forward oil painting, items rendered in crochet and needle-work, accumulation and found objects. It’s a big operation that’s going to take awhile to complete but I’m hoping to finish it within the next 6 months.
What is one other thing that you think we should know about your work?
I know my work isn’t for everybody. A lot of people have commented that my images are creepy and make them feel uncomfortable. But I think that’s a good thing and I’m happy to take it as a compliment. At least I didn’t bore anyone! And honestly some of the images are meant to insight anger or other unpleasant emotional responses. The point of my work isn’t to be beautiful but it isn’t to be shocking either. I want the work to captivate the viewer and be provocative. I want it to lead to questions and discussion. I don’t want the experience of viewing my work to end once you walk out of the gallery door.
Where can we see your work?
I regularly have work on display at the Artist Xchange in San Francisco. It’s a wonderful venue to show in. The mission of the gallery is to make art more accessible and affordable, which is something I think is very important. The art world is too small and one reason for this is how expensive it is to participate in it. I’m really going to have to search for the right venue to show the installation I’m working on in once it’s finished. It’s an art form that a lot of galleries simply don’t have the space for and isn’t usually salable.
Do you have a favorite gallery in San Francisco?
My favorite gallery would have to be HANG. I love that place! Every time I go there I see something new and find another artist to admire. They concentrate on emerging artists and the work is so fresh. It’s an inspiring place to be and everyone who works there is so friendly. It isn’t a scary gallery to walk in to.
Finish the sentence: Art should be …
… honest, which isn’t the same thing as being accurate. Accuracy, to me, speaks more about technical proficiency than it does about perception and introspection. Perfect renderings in art are boring to me. Merely indexing objects, people and experiences isn’t exciting. It’s like looking at vacation photographs. We live in such an image-saturated culture that I think the intentional creation of an image should be thoughtful – not just another thing to be glossed over and added to steam. I’d rather learn about the effects of objects, people and experiences.
How does the city inspire or affect your art work?
I love people-watching and the city is the best place to do it. Everyone comes to San Francisco, every culture and subculture has representation here. It’s wonderful to just sit in one place and admire all the differences. It is so inspiring. My work is largely about people and relationships. A chunk of the research I do is conducted simply through conversation or just watching and listening.
Where can you be found when you’re just out and about in the city?
I love everything about San Francisco. I walk all over the city. I don’t really have a favorite haunt but if you want to stop in somewhere for a drink, Kilowatt on 16th is the spot.
What do you think the average visitor to San Francisco should know about the art scene here?
The art scene in San Francisco is huge. There are a lot of artists here. Of course, there will always be some level of competition but there’s also so much support and interest in the arts and crafts that the Bay Area really is the place to be.This is a place where there is something for everyone. No matter what type of art you’re in to, there is a gallery that caters to it. I think it’s wonderful! We live in a place where everyone can participate in some way.
What advice do you have for emerging artists?
Keep learning, keep working, and keep up your momentum. Take every opportunity to show your work that comes your way. Show in coffee shops and in bars and keep sending out your slides. Go to the gallery receptions, read new theory as it comes out, and be an ART LOVER, too. Get out of your studio every now and then and see what other people are doing. Take advantage of all the possibilities that exist here and stand behind your work. The most important thing is to not let yourself become so discouraged that you stop trying to participate.
2 Comments
This particular artist definately has alot of knowledge and wisdom. When you view her artwork its as if you can actually feel it. That is the type of art that has become rare over the years. The type of art that people actually find themselves craving and yearning for. I’ve become very inspired by reading her interview and her thoughts on the world and I lose myself in her paintings. Angela Simione is pure genius. It’s a shame there are not alot of artists around now a days that can actually reside in your soul, in your thoughts and in your memories. This interview and her paintings will always remain in my mind and I am looking forward to seeing more great accomplishments from the artist, Angela Simione.
[...] in August, San Fran Voice had the opportunity to interview Bay Area painter Angela Simione. Her strikingly intense work sends both personal and political [...]