As she herself has noted, art reflects culture and that is certainly the case with the paintings and mixed media works of Carol A. Simmons. Born in Baton Rouge, LA and having lived throughout the Deep South, she captures through her work the color, vitality and, indeed, diversity, of African American culture. Here she shares how music influences her art.

Does music ever influence your creative process?

Yes, and it fills the quiet without creating too much distraction.

What are some of your earliest or most poignant memories of music shaping your work?

[The four pictures featured in this interview] are four examples of music’s influence on my creative process. My painting Lady Blue was inspired by Sade’s song, “Blue Is the Color of Love”. Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler and Jazz Man were inspired by New Orleans jazz and from listening to my husband playing his John Coltrane albums. Thank You was inspired by Aretha Franklin’s version of the gospel, “How I Got Over”.

What role does music play for you today? I listen to a wide range of music while I’m painting, framing or anything art related - R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Classical piano, New Age, and Global Soul (in foreign languages which I don’t understand, but it sounds so good that I don’t care). I find that music enhances my mood. If I don’t feel like creating, music can lift my spirits, put me in a better mood and make me want to work.

Are there any musicians at this moment particularly inspiring you?

Sade, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, India Arie, Tracy Chapman, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Philippe Entremont.

If people want to view more of your work, what are the key venues or websites for them to visit? Website & email: www.CarolASimmons.com casartiste@yahoo.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarolASimmonsFineArt Art in Embassies: http://art.state.gov/artistdetail.aspx?id=160236