Gedra Simkus is a Lithuanian-born artist based in the United States. She studied architecture and worked as an architectural designer with CAD. She went on to graduate from Loyola's paralegal studies program, but she chose not to work in the legal field. She went on to work as a data analyst for a major US corporation.

Her life was guided by the whisper in her heart that said, "Move on - you have completed this stage of your life - you're ready for the next step," so she made the move when the stars aligned. She quit her job and began painting full-time, where she is still finding her voice and figuring out what she wants to do and how she wants to work.

Artist's Statement

My style is expressionistic abstract, with broad strokes and bright colors used to convey the mood of the scene and my emotions. I create abstract paintings on canvas or paper encourage viewers to interpret them in their own unique way. The paintings are never pre-planned. Through intuitive mark-making and layering in paint and mixed media, I search for and eventually discover my paintings. It requires a delicate balancing act between analysis and instinct, as well as letting go of and regaining control.