Rene Simons unveiled an all new mixed media art show entitled "Accessing the Inexpressible" on Nov. 7 at Michael Anderson Gallery in Port Angeles. This latest collection of abstract art by Simons is a vivid journey into the imaginary that promises to draw strong emotional responses.

"I have been exploring mixed media painting, sculpture and digital art in recent years with growing fascination," said Simons, who still considers music his primary muse. "My choice of media and creative process is guided by an intuitive improvisation … a spontaneous impulse serving to capture my mood, emotion and whatever resources are available at the time. I am inspired by the sensory magic all around us – beauty, color, love, nature … but also by the melancholy human experience of dissonance, pain and loss."

The profusion of color and celebration of light in his work belies the dark period it is borne out of, where Simons narrowly escaped from a freak fire in the middle of the night that saw his house and possessions burn to the ground just over a year ago. Some of the charred remains have been transformed into art and are featured at this show.

"The breadth of my artistic interests and pursuits, rather than diluting the outcome, reflects my reverence for life," Simon said. "Art fulfills my intrinsic need to communicate and express myself. It is indescribably powerful and moving when someone finds resonance with a particular piece and identifies themselves to me."

The show also features Brian Gilbertson’s surreal cartoons "Improbable Beasts."

The Michael Anderson Gallery is located on The Avenue of the People, 106 N. Laurel St., Port Angeles. Gallery hours are noon-

5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.