What inspired your cover?
This piece is for Northern Beaches Gallery’s Africa Exhibition, in support of Jane Goodall Institute Australia, running 29 June to 13 July (Opening night 29 June, 5-7pm). When I first found out about this exhibition, I was elated because primates are my favourite subjects.
What inspires you in general?
The animals themselves inspire me to create my art simply because of them and their right to exist. Animals show us how to live in perfect harmony and to co-exist. More importantly, they show us how to connect, love unconditionally, and live in the present moment. Sadly, through our disconnect and exploitation of the natural world, we are experiencing rampant environmental destruction and massive loss of species. My mission is to inspire respect and connection; to show that animals are sentient beings, just like humans.
How would you describe your art?
My art is mainly realistic, sometimes even hyper-realistic, but it goes beyond looking like a photograph. I create soulful wildlife portraits to inspire deep respect and connection to our natural world. I aspire to show not just an “animal” but a living, breathing being who shows intelligence and has feelings – who belongs to a family and plays an essential role within our ecology. No matter which species I draw, it feels natural to portray sensitivity and innocence as a common denominator, even in the fiercest of animals – something animals do not hide and inspires us to reconnect. I express this the most when drawing the eyes, taking great care to inspire an emotional connection.
What is your favourite part of the process?
The finishing touches, especially perfecting the expression of the eyes.
Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?
I would love to meet the extraordinary primatologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall. She is an incredible inspiration, particularly for women, courageous and compassionate beyond words. I would love to hear about her selfless and extensive study of wild chimpanzees. It’s amazing how in her moments of solitude with these sentient beings she has been able to enlighten us on what we have in common with them, more than what separates us, therefore abolishing outdated and ignorant attitudes towards animals. There’s still a long way to go, but if weren’t for people like Jane Goodall, it would be a whole lot worse for animals.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
There’s no better feeling than witnessing how my art contributes to raising funds and awareness for wildlife conservation. My heart swells with gratitude when I am invited to submit my art, or my art is juried into conservation exhibitions. In these very environmentally challenging times, I know that my art is a powerful platform to move and educate others on the plight of animals that are on the brink of extinction.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
Never underestimate your value as an artist and the good you are contributing to the world. You are serving others by uplifting their spirits, transporting them into the present moment, and inspiring a better world through the light of your self-expression. Knowing this helps me create my best work as I’m sure it will for you too. Never give up, stay committed, and acknowledge your achievements along the way, no matter how large or small.
Where to buy
Original artwork and signed limited edition giclee prints are for sale on Geraldine’s Artists for Conservation website: geraldineswildlifeart.com and follow @geraldine_simmons_artist on Instagram.
More from our local artists
Head here for all interviews with our Tawny Frogmouth cover artists
Feature me
Are you an artist local to the Northern Beaches and want to be featured in the Tawny Frogmouth? Email mail@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au