John Simpkins is an American artist from Napa, California. He studied at the Art Studio at The University of California, Davis. Prior to breaking out with his own distinctive style of painting, John was mentored by California artist Earl Thollander.

Show notes:

*Virtual exhibit concept

*The difficulty of being in a painter in this time period

*Experiencing art in person vs. virtually

* NFTs and the art space

*Family background: Father was a builder and wanted John to become a building contractor *Got his start in “painting” by playing with mud on father’s fence

*Turning point: taking figure drawing class with Earl Thollander (illustrator, painter)

*Importance of validation/mentorship Finding a deeper connection to the Earth within the city

*Covid as a very long period of ZaZen (sitting meditation)

*He almost became a Buddist Priest

*Closeness with animals

*Going to his own exhibits incognito to hear what people are feeling about paintings

*Intuitive research of symbols for paintings

*Remembering to paint from the heart even when the mind thinks it can figure our what sells * Embracing death as an aspect of life

*The sun rises and the sun sets… nothing lasts

More info on John Simpkins:

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Porter Singer is a spiritually-inclined musician, podcaster, and creative sound mentor. Her intention is to beam out a harmonious vibration that gathers lightworkers in collaborative community. More info: https://portersinger.com/