Rose Simpson

Art is in Rose Simpson's DNA. Her mother is Roxanne Swentzell, a Native American sculptor whose expressive female figures have become instantly recognizable. Through her mother's family, Simpson is related to the extended Naranjo family of Santa Clara Pueblo potters--artists whose work has defined new standards of Native American pottery. Her father, Patrick Simpson, is a contemporary artist who lives in Santa Fe. Her parents home schooled her, giving her the priceless gift of possibilities.

"When you're around people who are artists and make their living at it, you see that it can be done," she says. "It gave me confidence."



With energy, fierce talent, and utter fearlessness, Simpson pursues art in many forms--sculpture, photography, music, fashion, poetry, and video to name just a few. "I'm afraid of being pigeon holed," she explains. "As soon as someone says I'm one thing, I do something else."

Although she is only in her twenties, Simpson has shown her work in major museum exhibits and is earning a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Rhode Island School of Design. But Santa Fe and Santa Clara Pueblo will always draw her home.




"My connection to New Mexico is bigger than a choice, she states. "It's the center of my world, the center of the earth, and where I find my inspiration."


Learn more about the rest of Santa Fe's featured edgy artists here