Seen & Known; Solo Show

My Solo Show, Seen & Known opens on Saturday, March 21st, and I have the opening reception for my BIGGEST solo show so far, at the Foyer Gallery in the Squamish Public Library, from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

Seen & Known

To be seen is to be recognised. To be known is to be valued. “Seen & Known” is a collection of watercolour portraits that invites viewers to linger in the quiet, honest spaces where light breaks through—even when it seems hidden. Each painting is shaped by Lorraine Simonds’ journey from feeling unseen to discovering beauty and inherent dignity in herself and those around her, through the bonds of community and faith.

Internationally recognised and award-winning, Lorraine’s expressive style combines loose, luminous brushwork with a deep reverence for her subjects. Drawing on influences from her multicultural heritage, professional design background, and a life rooted in meaningful relationships, she seeks not only to capture a likeness, but to point to the deeper story—the ache, the hope, and the possibility of true transformation.

In these portraits, you’re invited to discover the unity and common thread that binds us as people of dignity and worth. Some of the most beautiful things are found not in grand gestures, but in the daily moments we often overlook—quiet faithfulness, honesty, and stories of redemption. This exhibition calls us to notice the significance in the ordinary, and to recognise how our lives are woven into a greater story of hope.

Interview with the Artist

1. Describe this exhibit. What was your creative stimulation for this particular series?

“Seen & Known” is a series of watercolour portraits exploring what it means to be truly noticed and valued. The inspiration comes from my own journey—moving from feeling unseen and unknown to recognising beauty and dignity, both in myself and in others, through meaningful relationships and community. I’m drawn to moments where light feels hidden but is quietly present—a real hope grounded in truth. My hope is that viewers see their own stories as meaningful, especially when considered in the light of a greater narrative that affirms our worth and purpose.

2. What’s your background? How long have you been doing art?

I was born in England, raised by Chinese parents, and have called Squamish home for nearly two decades. My artistic journey began sketching on the English moors, followed by formal art education and a long career in branding and marketing. Since returning to painting full-time, I’ve been honoured with international exhibitions and awards, including Signature Membership in the Federation of Canadian Artists and Elect Membership in the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Color. My multicultural background, professional experience, and faith all shape the way I approach both art and life.

3. How have you developed your career? Are you a fulltime artist?

I am a fulltime artist and educator, with a career that has grown from strong local roots to international recognition. My work has been exhibited internationally, and I’ve been featured in publications like Watercolor Artist and Artists Magazine. I’ve taught at major global conferences, including Watercolour Live and World of Watercolor, and have served as a juror, mentor, and ambassador for several international art organisations. My path is shaped by a commitment to truth and hope, and by the belief that our stories find deepest meaning within a greater story—one that offers value beyond circumstance.

4. What is most important to you in your art?

Honesty and hope are at the heart of my practice. I care less about polish and more about revealing something quietly true—moments where light breaks through darkness. I believe art can affirm our dignity and worth, and that our stories make the most sense when seen in the light of a greater narrative. My Christian faith shapes this outlook, and my aim is always to create work that invites viewers to see themselves as valued, significant, and capable of transformation through an unrelenting presence of light and real hope.

5. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about your process?

Many are surprised by how much I let go in my process. I often start with my own photography, use minimal drawing and sometimes masking fluid to preserve highlights, and embrace both control and spontaneity through loose brushwork. My paintings are frequently mounted on panels and finished with wax for a modern, tactile effect. Influences from traditional Chinese art, photography, and music help me balance contrast, rhythm, and space. Watercolour, like life, requires trust—the most honest beauty often emerges when things don’t go as planned.

6. Who are you hoping to engage with your art?

I hope to reach anyone who’s ever felt unseen or in need of hope. My portraits are an invitation to pause and recognise the quiet light within our own stories. Ultimately, I want people to know their experiences matter—and that our stories become most meaningful when we see them as part of a bigger story that gives us dignity, worth, and hope.