Artist Statement

My work is driven by curiosity about a range of subjects including creativity, history, science, philosophy, and nature. Informed by interdisciplinary methodologies, many of my projects begin when I discover an existing book that sparks my interest and leads to further research.

Whether exploring the psychology of astrophysics, Icelandic rivers, or Florida history, my practice fuses personal experiences with existing narratives, prompting deeper questioning. My artist’s books seek to activate a reader’s curiosity about these topics through intimate, tactile experiences with intentionally designed, interactive objects.

Since the early 2000s, my research-based practice has involved extensive travel and collaboration, bringing together scientists, writers, environmentalists, historians, philosophers, musicians, and artists. These partnerships result in interdisciplinary projects that explore creative expression from multiple perspectives.

Flock, an ongoing, socially engaged project started in 2015, exemplifies this collaborative approach. This community-based project encourages participants to see their daily encounters with neighborhood birds as opportunities for developing individual creativity and interpersonal connections.

Bio:

Rachel Simmons is a queer artist and educator in Orlando, Florida, specializing in book arts and printmaking. She directs the Rollins Book Arts Collection and champions artists’ books through leadership roles in the Book Arts Guild of Central Florida, Orlando Zine Fest, and CBAA: The Association for Book Art Education. Her artist’s books are in prestigious collections including the Whitney Museum and Newberry Library. Through her project Flock, she brings communities together through birdwatching and experimental printmaking. Simmons is the current artist-in-residence at the Coffey Residency for Book Art at the University of Florida.