Simone Whiteford is an award-winning contemporary artist/sculptor based in Scotland. She creates distinct multi-dimensional and textured pieces, often incorporating wood, metal and mixed media.
Her portfolio frequently highlights aquatic and natural themes, such as her noted “Drying Fish" and “Distant Birds" artworks.
Conceptual Serialism - She uses this term to describe her art of numerous repeating elements bound together within visual concepts.
Awards
The Flora Wood Award for most original artwork - Glasgow Society of Women Artists (GSWA)
The Art Hire Framing Award - 129th Annual Exhibition - Paisley Art Institute
The Bessie Scott Award - 128th Annual Exhibition - Paisley Art Institute
Gallery Features
Her works have been displayed across prominent Scottish art spaces, including the Maclaurin Art Gallery in Ayr, the Paisley Art Institute Exhibitions, The Whitehouse Gallery in Kirkcudbright and many more.
“I definitely see myself as an autodidact. The will to learn all about art and to just go and do it comes from within me.
Early start
At many trips to museums in my childhood, I used to sit for hours in front of old oil paintings in these beautiful big, quiet spaces, memorising details and brush strokes. Then at home I practiced drawing over and over again, therefore understood shadows in Primary.
My first painting was sold for a fiver to a fellow pupil in High School (The technique I used was picked up whilst studying Cezanne’s work. I still remember the composition - it was really quite ok)
However the only times I would ever copy another artist’s work was to study different techniques. When I finally made the techniques my own I would create and transform my ideas inspired by my life and the world around me.
Later on
Life, however, quickly took over and moving to another country had its difficulties.
Realising not fitting in in many situations, not just as a stranger but as an artist made me realise that I must be an individual who doesn’t follow.
This realisation set my mind free. I stopped listening for most parts and followed my own approach - everything is possible. This meant and still means ideas now become unrestricted resulting in a creative freedom.
Throughout my whole life, art was always with me, I studied Architecture and some Art History. Art always gave me motivation, especially when I became a very busy Single Parent.
Art movements
I admire many artists, some for their work, some for their character, all for their determination, but one stands out the most for me and I would have loved the opportunity to have a conversation with him - Joseph Beuys. Conceptual art is my favourite subject, it gives me all the freedom. But there is one other passion of mine - vector graphics - they are just the best thing ever.
An Artist’s life - #Kunstleben
In my view, being an artist is a mind set, a way of thinking - living - visualising and a compelling need to create.
Ideas constantly spill over in my head, so much so that focusing on other things feels often uncomfortable. I write down/sketch many, but find it challenging to choose and to commit to just one. Once I have however I won’t stop until the work is perfect in my eyes. The finalisation can take hours or years.”