Simon Healy

Discipline Mixed media drawing and painting

From a studio in Somerset Simon combines images and symbol into his paintings that do not always follow a narrative path. Working in series, new themes and iconograhpy grow into his existing body of work often triggered by a comment, a story, a line of poetry, a landscape, myth or something seen. 

Images and themes reoccur, like familiar characters: the crescent Moon and the Sun, our ‘Pale Blue Dot’, the strange moons, sirens calling, birds calling to each other, boats as message carriers, musical notes, offerings, choices and recently the fragile Leafy Seadragon.

An influence on his work is religious iconography seen as a child, Science Fiction, nuclear imagery (Christmas Island) and the dreamlike and unnerving ’Tiger Balm Gardens’ (Haw Par Villas) in Singapore.

Simon works with paper and various kinds of board using a variety of media in search of surfaces that can be drawn, painted, scratched and sometimes torn, but still retain the image. Some recent work has been cut and sewn together.

Simon studied Fine Art at Cumbrian College of Art (College prize winner) and Winchester School of Art with Heads of Fine Art Gillian Ayres and William Crozier. Including visiting professors Vanessa Jackson, Graham Crowley, Howard Hodgkin and Patrick Heron.

He has exhibited in London and open exhibitions. In 1989 he moved to Wales and exhibited in group exhibitions. He currently paints in Somerset. His paintings and graphic works are in private collections in particular Japan, Greece and the USA.

He has completed film work with Cricklepit Media, The Guinness Trust and made a film for the Welsh Arts Council for Mojas Collective Artists

Venue contact: Rosie Boylan 01984623384
Venue address: Myrtle Cottage, 13 High Street, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2JX
Directions: Myrtle Cottage is down the cobbled alley alongside ELLA LAWRENCE Salon.  Go through black metal gate at end of alley.
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Parking:  Parking available in public carpark at North Street and Croft Way
Age Restriction: No children under 9
Refreshments: Tea & Coffee available
Dogs Allowed: Assistance Dogs only
Accessibility No disabled access

Other Artists at Venue: Rosie Boylan

Artists in the parish: John Abraham, Doulla Aebli, Kate Benson,  Colette Fowler-Marson, Jos Harral, Chris Howe, Alexandra Lavizzari, Stephen Martin, Susie Palmer, Ulick Palmer, Victoria Ward, Silver Street Studios, Secret Island Artisan Shop, Paul Williams, Kingsmead Art Department, Langley Moor, Rachel Gundry, Nicky Saunter, Jan Boddington

Events in the parish: School of Stitch, Red Priest, William Sitwell, Myc Riggulsford, Contrasts – A September Soiree, Kingsmead Lunchtime Concert

Parish information: Wiveliscombe has a number of great places to eat and drink including The Bear and White Hart pubs, The Phoenix Kitchen and Whelan’s Café. There are plenty of footpaths near the town centre for local walks as well as a selection of independent shops to visit.