Leaning Into Creativity in Times of Pain with Rich Simmons (#112)

We need art. Some of us need it more than others, and for some of
us, it's as necessary as the air we breathe. My guest on this
episode of The Art Biz is Rich Simmons, a London-based artist who
insists that art saved his life. Rich is not an art therapist,
but he is an advocate for the therapy of an art practice. He
knows from first-hand experience that art heals.


Rich has struggled with depression and was eventually diagnosed
with Aspergers. The realization that making art could make him
feel better was life-changing, and he wanted other people to know
about this. In 2008 he started Art Is The Cure to inspire people
to turn to creativity in times of pain. Art has given his life
purpose. In our conversation, you’ll hear that Rich has many
balls up in the air. He makes murals, gives workshops, sells
prints, has recently entered the NFT market, and is starting a
podcast. And that is just scratching the surface of his inspiring
ambitions.


Highlights




“I was thrown into the deep end.” Rich’s unusual entry into
the art world. (2:51)




Rich started on his artistic path at a very young age by
trading art with his grandfather. (7:57)




Discovering art as a form of creative therapy amidst personal
turmoil. (11:49)




The act of creative release has expanded Rich’s spectrum and
allows him to make better art. (17:44)




Art Is The Cure gave Rich the purpose he needed to move
forward. (24:50)




How to channel your negative energy in a way that affects
change. (33:48)




Finding inspiration, community and movement, and what to do
when art is the source of your stress. (36:50)




Rich’s income stream and his approach to creating a continual
stream of potential clients. (41:50)




Mentioned




Rich Simmons




Rich on Instagram




Art Is The Cure




Art Is The Cure on Instagram




Resources




Show notes, images, and listener comments




Artist Planning Sessions




Free e-course: The Artist’s Annual Review




Create Opportunities for Your Art




Quotes




“I want to give back to art because art saved my life.” —
Rich Simmons




“I like to say yes to opportunities no matter what it is and
try to figure out how to do it.” — Rich Simmons




“I realized I had found my own version of art therapy, and I
needed to help other people discover their own version of art
therapy.” — Rich Simmons




“An artist’s job is not only to be a storyteller but to evoke
emotions.” — Rich Simmons




“I couldn't be an inspiration for people if I wasn’t looking
after myself.” — Rich Simmons




“You can be the messenger about how powerful art can be.” —
Rich Simmons




 


Guest Bio


 


Rich Simmons is an Urban Pop artist who has exhibited all over
the world. Simmons' work explores the intersections of visual
culture, spanning pop art, comic books, the Renaissance,
contemporary fashion, sexuality and beyond.


 


Simmons' bold use of color, intricately detailed hand-cut
stencils, sense of humor and thought-provoking narratives running
through his work are proving Rich is both an innovator and highly
collectible artist.


 


Simmons is also the creator and founder of Art Is The Cure, a
vInspired award-winning organization promoting art therapy and
has run workshops and talks around the world.


First posted: artbizsuccess.com/cure-simmons-podcast