John Simpkins-Camp in his U Street studio. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Cecile Oreste of danceDC
Local artist John Simpkins-Camp experiments with a variety of materials, including paint, stone and metal. Although he was encouraged by professors to choose one medium, he continues to challenge and entertain himself by creating an array of art. Simpkins-Camp admits the life of an artist can be difficult, but it’s a decision he certainly does not regret.
A native of Virginia, Simpkins-Camp knew early on that he would choose a life in the arts. He attended the Corcoran College of Art and Design, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and also completed part of his Master’s degree at the Smithsonian. Currently, he is a British Council Artist, and his large landscape painting is part of the international organization’s permanent collection.
Despite having success with works that convey a specific message, Simpkins-Camp often struggles with the decision to create subjective versus abstract works.
