Melissa Sims

BIOGRAPHY

Melissa Sims

b:1970; Lives in Atlanta, Georgia

Artist Statement

I am always trying to overshadow my negativity. As a child I worried all the time and saw the negative in almost everything. With my paintings I do the opposite. I see the beauty in the old, mundane and maybe overlooked.

My paintings have changed over time, like me. Years ago when I was younger and single, my paintings were more seductive. When I fell in love and got married, my paintings were more romantic and sweet. I had a kid and my paintings were cute and fun and full of toys.

Now I am happily living. I love who I am, I love my life. I still worry, but now I try and see the bright side of everything. My paintings now make me laugh and happy. Some have double meanings. Funny and shiny at first glance and an underlying commentary on what it going on around me.

My current obsession of vintage paint by numbers came from my grandmother. She had several in her house that I got when she died. I love them, I love how they take me back to a simpler time, quiet, colorful and then I add my new experiences. Photos of signs and things I have come across on road trips. I bring it all together to create a new world.

Education

1988 -1993, BFA Photography, BA Art History,University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Exhibitions

2022

Peaceable kingdom, TEW Galleries, Atlanta, GA
Modfellows Gallery, Art for the Naughty and Nice, Nashville, TN
MOCA Art Auction, Sights and Sounds, Atlanta, GA
Modfellows Gallery, High Octane, Nashville, TN
Annual Art Papers Auction, Atlanta, GA

2021

The Mysterious World, Charles Keiger, Steve Moors, Melissa Sims and Mario Soria, TEW Galleries, Atlanta, GA
Modfellows Gallery, Art for the Naughty and Nice, Nashville, TN
Modfellows Gallery, Strange Reflections, Nashville, TN
Ric Michel Fine Art, Reality.. and then Some, South Hampton, NY
MOCA Art Auction, Atlanta, GA
Annual Art Papers Auction, Atlanta, GA

2020

Modfellows Art Gallery, Art for the Naughty and Nice, Nashville, TN

2017

Zinc Contemporary Art Gallery, Seattle, WA

2018-2005

Annual Art Papers Auction, Atlanta, GA

2014

Resistor Monrovia, CA

2012

Trim Venice, CA

2010

Gloria Delson Contemporary, Art Los Angeles, CA
The Thought Gallery, Hollywood, CA

2009

Art Department, Atlanta, GA

2008

M.J.Higgins, Los Angeles, CA

2007

TEW Galleries, Atlanta, GA
James Gray Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
ArtLA, Santa Monica, CA

2006

James Gray Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
M.J. Higgins, Los Angeles, CA
Applegate Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
TEW Galleries, Atlanta, GA
Bamboo Lane Gallery, Chinatown, LA, CA

2005

Omni Art Response @Hangar 1018, Los Angeles, CA
Lansdell Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Solaris Gallery, West Hollywood, CA

2004

Lansdell Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Elevation Gallery, Atlanta, GA

2003

Lansdell Gallery, Atlanta, GA
The Telephone Factory, Atlanta, GA
The Art Coalition, North Hollywood, CA

2002

Off Rose Gallery, Venice, CA
Millie’s, Silverlake, CA
The Bourgeois Pig, Hollywood, CA
The Portfolio Café, Long Beach, CA
Lansdell Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Dragonfly Gallery, Decatur, GA
Mad River Post ,San Francisco, CA

2001

Trim Venice, CA
Lansdell Gallery, Atlanta, GA
The Telephone Factory, Atlanta, GA

Publications

2022
Canvas Rebel, Meet Melissa Sims

2021
"Quirky show tackles nature and culture”, Art Review by Felicia Feaster, April 2, 2021, Atlanta Journal Constitution

2020
“Seven Artists Figurative Show,” Art Review by Felicia Feaster, February 6, 2020, Atlanta Journal Constitution

2006
Carasso, Robert, “The Light Show”, Art Scene

Feaster, Felicia, Creative Loafing

2003 Art Papers

2000 Blue Milk

1993 Still Life