Driving his car from Fairfield Glade to Phoenix, AZ, artist John Simms marveled that he got the commission for the 4-foot by 7-foot painting resting behind him, his largest commission since moving to Crossville in 2002. The Basha family of Phoenix has an enduring interest in the art of the West and own a museum housing the largest collection of western art in the U.S. However, this painting and a 2-foot by 7-foot painting by John were destined to be the centerpieces of their large estate in Phoenix. “Every time I have a success, I have to thank God. I’m blessed, and I know it,” he admits. Since returning from Phoenix, the Basha family has approached him to do further works for them.
John pursued his passion for art during a 31-year career in management at General Motors in Detroit. Although his parents, both ministers in the AME Church, did not encourage his interest in art, they had faith in him as a person. They encouraged his interest in math and science, telling him to get a “good job” to support his growing family, a wife and three children. He began as a millwright apprentice, then went into mechanical engineering and was immediately placed into management by General Motors. “I didn’t like management – too much politics,” says John. “But I was good at it, I could make things happen.”
Later, when his youngsters were growing up, John’s wife, Clintina, encouraged him to go back to school and get a degree in art. While he was already an artist, “People wanted to see that piece of paper.” He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Macomb Community College and received a scholarship to the Center for Creative Studies College of Art and Design in Detroit. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts, John worked at an advertising agency for five years, then opened his own ad agency, Simms Creative Services, LLC. “I was working harder than I had ever worked,” says John, heading up the agency while still working full time at GM.
While talking with John in his Crossville studio, part of a “guest house” that he designed, John says, “Clintina has been the strongest thing in my life. Right after God. Then come the kids. She was my saving grace.”
Clintina worked as deputy director of planning and development for the city of Detroit, followed by work as a liaison who coordinated bringing people to Tennessee for the GM Saturn plant. As she learned all there was to know about Tennessee, she discovered Crossville. In the mid-80s, the couple enjoyed a timeshare weekend in Fairfield Glade, then purchased a timeshare. Three years later they purchased a lot. In 2002, they bought a home and moved here. Initially it was just John and his mother-in-law who moved, as Clintina loved her job and didn’t want to leave it. She finally reneged and came to Tennessee, where she is currently director of development for the Avalon Center and very active in the Catholic Church.
Considered “an emerging artist” because his work doesn’t have worldwide acclaim, John says, “I’m having such a good time doing what I’m doing.” He has clients in Maryland, California, Michigan and Arizona, and is establishing a clientele here as well. “I look forward to developing a relationship with people here and giving people heirloom quality art.” He wants his art to be a legacy for his children. “I want my kids to know that John Simms did not accept the ordinary.”
John and Clintina love to travel and have many pieces of art from around the world in their home. John is a member of the Fairfield Glade Art Guild, Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression, the Fairfield Glade Fire Department and the Catholic Church. A veteran of Vietnam who can still wear his uniform, John often takes part in Memorial Day ceremonies.
John points with pride to a proclamation hanging in his studio from Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III proclaiming May 23, 2006 as John Simms Day in Crossville. John continues to add his own unique vision to a community with a rich cultural heritage and strong history of artistic expression.
To see examples of John’s art, visit his Web site at www.simmsfineartist.com/, or give John a call at 456-8890.
Glade Sun
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Glade artist: "I'm blessed, and I know it"
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