Riley Sims
Fort Collins, Colorado
Riley Sims intricately weaves personal narratives with the soak staining technique, celebrating resilience and exploring the transformative power of art.
MessageRiley Sims is an emerging artist celebrated for her vibrant and emotive creations that transcend the boundaries of conventional expression. A graduate of Ball State University, Sims's artistic journey is a profound exploration of the connection between art and personal healing. Her artistic approach is a dynamic interplay of controlled geometric forms and organic bursts of color, symbolizing the complexities of life, particularly her intimate exploration of Lyme Disease. Drawing inspiration from Helen Frankenthaler, Sims employs the soak staining technique, pouring diluted acrylic paint onto raw canvas, allowing it to soak and stain—a visual representation of life's unpredictability. Through her paintings, she advocates for Lyme Disease awareness, shedding light on the financial struggles and limited resources faced by patients. Riley Sims's canvases not only serve as a celebration of resilience but as a collective exploration of the human condition.
Statement
Navigating the complexities of life with Lyme Disease, my artistic journey delves into the profound challenges associated with chronic illness. As an artist, I engage in a dynamic interplay between controlled geometric forms and organic fields of color, encapsulating the endless adversities that define existence with Lyme Disease—the interplay of the positive and negative, the controlled and uncontrollable.
In the realm of chronic illness-induced brain fog, where articulation becomes tricky, my art evolves into a distinct language—an expressive outlet that transcends the limitations of words.The canvas becomes my confidant, absorbing the spectrum of emotions that define this struggle. Drawing inspiration from the expressive strokes of Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler and contemporary artist Heather Day, my technique is a dance of color and form, a visual language that speaks not only of personal strife but resonates universally.
In my creative process, I employ Helen Frankenthaler's soak staining technique on medium-sized raw canvases, manipulating diluted acrylic paint with my hands and tools to craft vibrant, optimistic fields of color. The recurring geometric graphic elements symbolize the intrusive negative aspects of Lyme Disease, even the Lyme bacteria, bartonella, invading one's body.
The heart of my practice lies in spontaneity. I embrace unpredictability, mimicking life's unexpected twists through unplanned spills of vibrant acrylics. Each layer is a chapter, a moment captured in time. The canvas serves as a mirror, reflecting the delicate balance between the optimism embodied in bright hues and the invading darkness symbolizing the limitations imposed by Lyme Disease. This duality, this interplay of colors and shapes, forms the essence of my artistic vision.
Beyond personal catharsis, my studio practice is a vehicle for advocacy. Informed by the delayed diagnosis that defined my health journey, my paintings become educators. Through titles, descriptions, and curation my work teaches viewers to recognize the subtle signs of Lyme Disease, advocating for early detection. The vibrant colors, dynamic spills, and repeated elements aren't just an artistic endeavor; they're also a contribution to a broader conversation about health, resilience, and the universal human experience of maintaining optimism in the face of hardship.
In conclusion, my studio is not merely a space for self-expression but a commitment to societal impact. Through my art, I aim to elevate awareness, foster empathy, and inspire change. My ongoing artistic journey is not just a progression of strokes on canvas; it's a narrative that delves into the human condition, a testament to resilience and a celebration of the intricate dance between light and shadow.
Riley Sims. copyright 2024.
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