b.1983 Northampton, UK

Education / MA History of Art University College London

Helen Simms is a contemporary painter currently based in Buckinghamshire, UK. She is best known for her large-scale ethereal abstract paintings with subtle pops of colour.

Simms’s art is characterised by her fascination with the power of thought and both the expressive and meditative qualities of painting. Her creations, initially rooted in dreamlike landscapes and glimmers of memories, are a testament to her deep exploration of these themes. Her work is distinguished by painterly, layered mark-making, giving it a striking depth and emotional resonance - inviting viewers to explore the intersection of memory, thought and the visual language of abstract painting.

Simms holds a BA (hons) and MA in History of Art from the University of Leicester and University College London respectively. She has previously worked as both an illustrator and Art teacher for several years and returned to her first love - Fine Art painting, after having children. Helen Simms’ talent has been recognised and collected by various private national and international collections. Simms continues to captivate audiences with her profound, thought-provoking art, setting her out as an emerging artist to watch within the world of contemporary painting.

Artist Statement

“I distinctly remember an art lesson in middle school in which I was asked to draw and paint a flower from observation. It was the first time I had been asked simply to look and to draw as accurately as possible. It came very naturally to me and I recollect the feeling I had when the teacher was impressed. It was just within me. Creating art is something I feel compelled to do and painting is who I am. When I have had periods of time when I have not painted, for example when my children were very young, I felt unfulfilled. Despite it being an incredibly blessed time, something was missing. To me, painting represents an outlet. A way for me to process my thoughts, my place in the world and to better understand myself. 

My work is painterly, layered and abstract. I am inspired by Abstract Expressionism - particularly Mark Rothko’s thin, subtle dripping layers - inviting contemplation, introspection and to me, a sense of calm. My work uses abstract mark making techniques to explore the dreamlike feelings evoked by snapshots of landscapes, often showing their “magic hour” and water reflections. Their dreamlike and abstract nature suggesting they may be from a parallel universe, my own subconscious or memory. My work evolves through many layers. There are often stages where I feel quite unhappy with the overall look or composition of the piece and in turn, I am often working through my own personal thoughts and emotions as the piece progresses towards a resolution. My hope is always for my paintings to create a sense of calm and contemplation for the viewer.”