Ms. Simmons' passion for travel has been the creative force in her artistic education. A native of Southern California, she has resided and visited various parts of the world. Creatively incorporating techniques and materials from a wide variety of cultures and environments. Her unique style is reflected in the diversity of her work.

The first adventure took her to the Rockies to work in the Ski Industry. Aspen and Jackson Hole were great for her in the 70's, until the arctic air forced her to warmer climates. Antigua, Guatemala beckoned as the "Land of Eternal Spring," during which time she designed vests and jackets using the colorful Huipils woven by the local Mayan Indians. She also designed blankets and rugs for the weavers on large looms in Momostanango. Trips through the Yucatan Peninsula to visit ruins, diving off the reef in Belize, and a trip up the Rio Dulce completed the experience. Next stop, Southeast Asia. First Bali Indonesia, then to Yogakarta Java, completing a course in traditional Batik. Traveling throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, Penang, the Lankawi Islands, Thailand and Hong Kong, filled her mind and senses with the spirit of the people and places with rich traditions and indescribable beauty. The Caribbean was the next stop, crewing as a chef and diver for a few years on sailing yachts from all over the world. Then up to the Chesapeake Bay for the summer, finally delivering the yacht down the Intercoastal Waterway, across the Gulf of Mexico, to Galveston. Her next assignment took her to the Sea of Cortez, organizing the provisioning aspects for a major charter yacht company. The mid 80’s were the best time of her life, living in a remote traditional Bahamian cottage. The only form of transportation possible was by boat, and so a local master craftsman, Bill Fuller of Hopetown, custom-built her a fiberglass and mahogany 15' speedboat, named "Ultra Violet" (also her VHF radio call). Days were spent diving the rainbow reefs collecting aquatic plants, pressing them into French handmade paper, enhancing them with watercolour, creating "Jardins De La Mar." In addition to selling intriguing art from the sea she was commissioned to paint many original watercolours inspired by the beauty of the Abacos in the Bahamas. She has since traveled to and lived in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, earning International Certification in Scuba Diving.

Back in Claremont, she taught at The Claremont Institute for the Creative Arts, also earning her certification as a Massage Therapist and a degree in Aromatherapy. The spring of 2006 brought an unexpected challenge with a wicked fall from the roof, fracturing her pelvis and five bones in her back. Unable to walk, she took up jewelry making. Life has improved, and she now can be found painting large murals in homes and local businesses, adding the difficult craft of Trompe L' Oeil to her repertoire.

Watercolour will always be her favorite expression of art, but she is always up to the challenge of any new project, unless she happens to go back to the Bahamas...