Sima Jo

How did you get into making art?

Around the age of 4 I was always drawing- by 7 I had grown totally attached and took weekly lessons. I believe art was my way of not having to socialize. It always felt better keeping to myself and drawing over having small talk.

What are you currently working on?

Right now I have a few paintings in the works. I’m grappling with making pieces that are academic while trying to use elements of distortion.

But I’d say the biggest project I’ve worked on in the last five years is more mental than physical- I’d like to get over the desire to paint something with meaning and to except that I like to paint just for the sake of painting. There is such a pressure to make imagery that is impactful but the truth is, I really just like to paint. Im working on being okay with simple.

What inspired you to get started on this body of work?

No clue what’s drawn me to work like this. The art works is a sure place and I dont feel so inspired to apart of it as much as I do feel it’s a necessity to produce. It’s actually quite a hassle to paint – but for whatever reason, I always come back to it.

Do you work on distinct projects or do you take a broader approach to your practice?

Some of the time there are distinct images I see my head, sort of like narrations or scenes. I have them saved in my sketchbook for the weeks I feel up to the challenge of taking them. Id say most projects I begin feel “random” with no specific motive or desired outcome.

Who are your favorite artists?

My favorite living artists currently are Alba Sacristan, Austin Haymen, Mary Lippert, Gabriella Kohr, Jeremy Lipking, Dennis Sarazhin, Phil Hale and Larisa Brechun. All of these men and women have played a crucial role in my love for art. I also love Monet of course. I had a friend tell me that every painters first love is Monet and I can’t agree more.