On September 18th, 1998, Jet Simon was born at only 26 weeks. Due to his prematurity, doctor's explained the likelihood of Jet developing learning difficulties was high, Jet's mom, Joey Simon decided to train in the principles of Montessori education to help and encourage Jet in his learning.As artists, Joey and Jet's father, Darryl, shared their love of art with Jet. When Jet became a toddler, Joey and Jet went to the library, read art books and started painting. Jet was especially interested in the life stories of the artists.Four year old Jet's paintings and art stories were impressive. Other parents asked Joey if she would consider offering art workshops for children. 4Cats was born!The name 4Cats is inspired by the 4Cats Cafe in Barcelona, Spain. The 4Cats Cafe (Els Quatre Gats) is the place where Picasso went with artist, poet and philosopher friends to discuss art and life and make and show great art! This is what we do, create masterpieces and talk about art!
I love art. I love painting and creating. I always have and I always will. One of the most exciting things for me is to see that excitement, that fire come to life in others. I have been fortunate, Art has always been apart of my life. Creating started when I was wee, in my folks backyard armed with finger paints and sun dyes....(what was my Mom thinking!) I jest...She was igniting the passion of an artist.I was able to further my artist passion when I attended Emily Carr University. There, I was able to expand my knowledge of colour under the tutelage of Tom Hudson and his amazing and intense theory colour classes, begin to discover the possibilities of Mixed Media Art and fuel my love of book arts under the guidance of Nick Bantock. I was so fortunate.