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Daniel Sims
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Artist Statement I have been fascinated by the natural world, particularly flowers and plants, since I was a young child. This has led me to careers in both botanical research and art. Science and art, although employing very different techniques, spring from similar motivations to understand and express the truths of the world around and within us. In my scientific work, I develop numerical models that express the relationships between plants and their environment. In my artistic work, I create physical models in wood and glass that endeavor to capture the spirit of the natural world. My objective is not to bend the material to my own will but rather to become intimate with the material so that I can bring out its natural beauty. I am fascinated by creative analogies in art, seeing the flow in a solid piece of wood or the way stained glass leading can be used to depict tree trunks or veins in a leaf. Giving up our preconceived images of the world and being open to reality is, I feel, the essence and challenge of art, as well as science, relationships and so much of life. |
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| Artist Biography I began my life in southeastern Alaska (Sitka), which is located in a lush temperate rainforest, because of the warm Japanese ocean current. Sitka is a small town on a large island, with only 7 miles of road at that time. Consequently, you tend to spend a great deal of time in the natural world. This probably contributed to my development of interests in plants and nature. We moved to Indiana when I was 3 and I went to school in Richmond and Liberty before attending Earlham college. After college, I earned a graduate degree in Botany at the University of California, Davis. Since then I have done scientific research as a post-doctoral associate all across the country (Pullman, WA; Durham, NC; Atlanta, GA; Reno, NV; and Los Angeles, CA). Throughout these years, I also pursued my interests in art and developed my own style in media that fit my artistic inclinations. Early interests in pattern and design lead to work in stained glass, as well as marquetry. Over the years, I looked for means to expand my artistic activities. Three years ago, I decided to move back to Richmond. Part of the motivation for this move was to care for aging parents, but I also realized that I could live much more cheaply here. After moving, I was able to arrange a part time position doing research at Ball State University that gave me some steady income, but also left me enough time to pursue my artistic interests. In the past three years, I have set up stained glass and woodworking studios and have had several commissions for stained glass pieces. Other artistic outlets have included remodeling my house and my mom’s house. I am currently working on large murals on the exterior walls of my house. |
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 Big leaf maple lamp |
Agate lamp |
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