Paris - Wooden Steps

In our building in Paris the top turn of the wooden stairway was so beautifully worn, so beautifully hand made, so varnished by so many feet over so many years, that I was struck by the glistening patina every time I walked the 4 floors to our apartment.

The design of the steps were pieced together and created an almost abstract design that I felt compelled to document and share with you.

[New art exhibit going up at Aurum in downtown Athens, Ga for the month of February. I am sharing the space with the fabulous textile artist Suzanne Gernandt of North Carolina. Reception: Thursday, Feb 6, 6-8 pm]

illustration:

Steps . Rue Campagne Premiere . Paris . 14th - hand painted silk broadcloth - by Rene Shoemaker - 2013

Visions of France

When we left Paris, we began driving southeast in the car we had outfitted with a mattress and cooking supplies. I was so happy to be on the road again after the month in the city - breathing fresh air, seeing space, blue skies and fields. Spent the night at Troyes, in the Aube Department. That night we had sheep bahhing us to sleep. We definitely were not in the city anymore!

[New art exhibit going up at Aurum in downtown Athens, Ga for the month of February! I am sharing the space with the fabulous textile artist Suzanne Gernandt of North Carolina. Reception: Thursday, Feb 6, 6-8 pm]

illustration:

On the Road Again - hand painted silk twill - by Rene Shoemaker - 2013

Color and Pattern on Cloth at Arrowmont

My good friend and great textile artist Susan Gernandt is teaching a workshop this summer at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you’ve been thinking about learning about weaving and surface design, it’s your chance to learn from a great one - this is how I met Suzanne - she’ll have you doing great designs and exploring creative ideas in no time!

I first met Suzanne when I participated in a class she taught titled “Layers of Colors; Layers of Meaning” at the Appalachian Center for Craft. The title of the class intrigued me, yet it is a perfect description of her work.

Added benefit - Suzanne and I are exhibiting together now through the end of February at Aurum Studios in Athens, Ga. The reception is Thursday, February 6, 6-8pm. Come meet her and see our work!