Simon Cottrell's whole career has been directed by an interest in the nature and theory of creative practice, in particular the inter-relationships between cognitively set aims and intuitive progression. Such insights are used as a means to devise forms that are both ‘of’ and ‘about’ the underlying pre-thought processes of creative action. His most recent work attempts to map the reflective/responsive processes within a structured approach to improvised form. 

Simon Cottrell has regularly exhibited his jewellery and objects both locally and internationally since 1997 after completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT, Melbourne. In 2010 he completed of a Masters of Arts Research also at RMIT.  Since 2001 he has taught at RMIT and Monash University in Melbourne, and has been invited as a guest lecturer to many art schools and events worldwide.

Simon is currently the Acting Head of the Gold & Silversmithing Workshop ANU School of Art.