Recent work by Randy Simmons
Randy Simmons works in charcoal using Renaissance chiaroscuro
(light-dark) drawing techniques. His large-format, realistic drawings have the
beauty and detail associated with old world masters yet they are fully engaged
in a contemporary dialogue. Randy’s subject matter is enigmatic, tense and
edgy, broaching subjects associated with today’s family unit and realities of
life.
As the
viewer, finding the meaning of Randy’s visual narrative can be tricky. But if
you ponder the drawings long enough, you will find that the images begin to
stick in your brain and the dots connect. While hanging this exhibit it became
clear to me that there is a life-long story here, one in which you had to live to
truly understand, and not all of it was pretty. The imagery is straight forward
in its realism, but the underlying strength in Randy’s work is the way he uses
humor to comprehend the tough times.
Ruler of Everything Charcoal on Paper 40" x 50"
Because the
work is so beautifully executed we want to look at it and marvel at Randy’s
ability to make it look so “real.” And at the same time, we’re put off by the
reality of the subject matter and don’t want to look at it; it makes us
uncomfortable because it touches us deeply somewhere. Good art does this to the
viewer; it makes us question what we like and don’t like; it makes us stretch
our ideas into new thought processes; it makes us curious enough to keep
looking and figure out why we are uncomfortable.
Simmons is an Associate Professor of Art at Paducah
School of Art Western Kentucky Community Technical College where he teaches
drawing, life drawing and introduction to art. He exhibits his drawings
nationally and is a recent recipient of two Kentucky Arts Council grants.
Robin Scully
Boucher-Curator
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