Simon Williams
Simon Williams resides and works in Cornwall, painting out of the esteemed Porthmeor Studios in St Ives. This location has been renowned for hosting a remarkable array of internationally acclaimed artists, including Julius Olsson, Frances Hodgkins, Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, Francis Bacon, and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.
Williams possesses a unique and experimental approach to painting, constantly exploring and discovering new techniques. His inspiration derives from various sources, notably comic books, films, posters, and urban graffiti. These influences inform his aesthetic choices and methods, enabling him to skillfully combine different materials and techniques in order to create vibrant, energetic paintings that serve as symbolic reflections of today’s world.
In addition to being a painter, Williams is a highly skilled animatronic designer in the film industry. His expertise has taken him around the globe, collaborating with esteemed companies at the forefront of technological advancements such as Warner Brothers and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. He has contributed to numerous films, including the Harry Potter series and Star Wars, by creating creatures and special effects.
Williams has exhibited his work extensively, ranging from curating the exhibition 'After Illusion,' which brought together six prominent abstract painters from the South West, to showcasing his art at and exhibiting at the prestigious 'John Moore's Painting Prize' at Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and the London Art Fair. He has also held solo exhibitions in Bristol and London, further establishing his presence in the art world.
Furthermore, Williams has shared his knowledge and expertise through teaching and lecturing at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the Royal College of Art, and the Plymouth College of Art. Currently, he teaches the course 'Exploring Abstraction' at Newlyn Art School, imparting his artistic insights to aspiring artists.
Simon Williams' multifaceted career spans the realms of painting, animatronic design, curation, and education, showcasing his diverse talents and contributions to the art community.