“Art is a lifeline to my heart and my soul; the process of painting provides me intimate freedom to explore and unharness my creative energy.”

After the recent successful publication of my debut memoir, My Mother Next Door, my need to create has become further emboldened and heightened. Everywhere I look, every conversation I have, every song I hear - I see and feel images flowing beyond me onto the canvas. I’m excited to return to this journey of an artist in harmony with the written word, the brush stroke, or any other medium - they allow me to surrender to whatever comes forth without judgement, attachment, nor expectation. As I move to the rhythm of music, I’m energized to approach each project with curiosity, awe, and wonder - just as I did when I was a child, honoring the palpable creativity of playfulness, evolution, and self-love.

Meet the artist

Diane Danvers Simmons is a woman with many titles: mother, artist, author , world traveler, podcaster, social impact film-maker, brand builder, reiki master, an activist and advocate. As a reformed international marketing and advertising executive, she leads a mission-driven life, aiming to share stories in both the written and more recently, visual mediums that shine a light and inspire humanity in our fractured mad, mad world. A British native and American transplant, Diane brings unique vision, wit, humor, heart and candor to her storytelling whether through her written memoir, My Mother Next Door; her art, her Podcast with her own daughter, Mother and Daughters Unfiltered, keynote speeches, and workshops based on her book, or social impact driven video productions. Last but not least, she sits on the leadership council for the Women’s Fund and The Carmel Public Library Foundation.

Upcoming events

  • Open Ground Art Collective

    January 12, 2024 (Opening Night) - March 12, 2024

    Sunset Cultural Center | Carmel by the Sea, CA

    Free and open to public!