One moment I am in Limousin, France, the next moment I am casting my vote for President-elect Joe Biden, and the next moment I am deep in reflection in solitude in the Southeastern USA.
We can finally exhale, knowing the U.S. is on a clear path of recovery. America can begin to right its wrongs.
And we can now continue our creative endeavors.
I arrived at AIR Serenbe on November 1st, the recipient of the 2020 Fiber Forward Focus Fellowship and a month-long residency. It is exactly what my soul needs right now.
Quiet. Contemplation. Investigation. Inquiry. Focus.
My days at Serenbe are full of inspiration and energy. What I find so interesting is that even in solitude, life continues. Before I arrived, I imagined the days would seem endless. But in fact, I still have to eat, bathe, and sleep, and the matters of the everyday take time out of my waking hours and away from art creation.
I quickly discovered that a schedule of a five hour work block allows me the space to move into flow. After that, I must walk, I must check messages, I must sweep the cottage. It is wonderful to really have the time to investigate and discover the world through books. I am researching the artist Agnes Martin (1912-2004), whose work I mentioned in an earlier newsletter. I now have the opportunity to delve more deeply into understanding who she was, what motivated her, and the body of work she created. I am reading more of her own words and exploring her work through the Tate Modern catalog of the 2015 exhibit Agnes Martin.
Agnes Martin, The Islands, 1961, oil and graphite on canvas, 72" x 72" (182.9 cm x 182.9 cm) © 2019 Estate of Agnes Martin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
By reading about Martin, I am recognizing how important it is to express my thought processes and visions on paper. In my days at Serenbe, I take copious notes and create numerous sketches. I have a new notetaking system that is helping me organize my ideas. I’m setting up the dye baths to begin dyeing, but I have also committed to using this time to follow paths of discovery I rarely have time for while preparing for an exhibition. The residency allows me not only the space to allow ideas to flow, but also the time to follow a path of exploration in my own work.
I am continuing to find my artistic voice by questioning myself, my motives, and my instincts. I am intrigued by what I am drawing and creating, which piques my curiosity to explore ideas further. I have so many ideas and design concepts swirling around in my head that sometimes I cannot write fast enough to get them all down and I feel like I really have to pay attention. I just have to step aside and let the ideas land in the sketchbook.
I look forward to sharing with you the ideas and discoveries that emerge from this month of contemplation and creativity. Thank you for being there.
With gratitude,
-René
PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
I have new items for sale on my website, including gifts for everyone on your list: limited edition fine art prints, original art, baby gifts, stationery, and home decor. Take a look and feel free to contact me with any questions or words of advice of what you would like to see in the shop.
"Normaltown" Fine Art print of original serigraphy
Artist-in-Residence:
November 1 - 30, 2020
AIR Serenbe:
Fiber forward Focus Fellowship
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
USA
Expanding your art collection?
Contact me for commissions and/or a private tour of my art,
which is available in many sizes & price points.
In Athens, my paper goods and small gifts are carried by:
KA Artist Shop .
Sustainable packaging courtesy of
noissue .
Thank you for supporting the arts in Athens, and beyond.
With gratitude,
-René