Simon P. Côté is an artist who paints pictures worth a thousand words, and often, many more.  Although his thought provoking paintings may incorporate the written word on canvas, there are also a thousand words of original literature that accompanies selected paintings.  His message and goal is simple, “create a greater emotional response and connection to the art that hangs mute on our walls, but speak volumes to our hearts.” 
         His passionate words and memorable imagery creates an intimate and personal association to his artwork.  The literature brings the viewer a step closer to the paintings subject matter and the artist’s vision, while creating a foundation for the viewer to build on their own interpretations.  The original literature may be based on fact or fiction.  It may describe the inspiration for the image, a short story, a character study, a commentary on society, personal philosophy, the human condition, and perhaps even a reference to politics here and there.
         Through a beautiful marriage of painting and literature, Simon awakens and encourages the unique imagination that resides in us all.  His thousand words allow viewers to look behind the scenes, form opinions, and create greater bonds with his artwork.  Simon views his added literature as the beginning of a dialogue between artist and observer.  He welcomes unique interpretations of his paintings, and promotes different perspectives to be shared and discussed.  “The added literature is a jumping off place.  We may use the same springboard, but favorably, and almost definitely, we will end up on a variety of different levels.”  Simon views himself as a mere filter to the imagination that surrounds him, and he believes the more imaginative the communication, the more likelihood of creating a promising future of unlimited inspiration.