one plus ukraine: © Simon Watts 2008
Contrast is everything. I recently spent close to a year in the Ukraine painting artwork on the ceilings and walls of the home of one of the world's richest men. And as intriguing as it is to witness the level of pure bad taste that can only exist when money is no object, I was far more fascinated by the world outside. It was hypnotic to see the decaying leftovers of a Soviet society. The entire city of Donetsk looked like it came store-bought and shiny new in 1960 and the powers that be hadn’t given it a lick of paint since. But the people there are made of sterner stuff. What I witnessed was an ingrained gift for improvisation and unintentional beauty all tempered by devastating hardship. The Russian people are an inspiration.
About me
My name is Simon Watts. I’m a 43 year old artist and writer who's just returned from living in London for the last 11 years. Currently of no fixed address, I will soon be relocating all my art materials and vintage motorcycle parts to Melbourne, the town of my birth. (Not one of Melbourne’s great claims to fame.) If anyone would like to contact me my email is swattsinusa@hotmail.com or they can call 0422 557 057. I’m always up for a chat.
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