Reading in the Garden

Our house welcomed us with open arms, warming us with heated stone walls as the snow fell upon our arrival. The weather changes often, and when the sun shines here it is breathtakingly beautiful, then I am sitting in the sunlight, soaking up as much vitamin D as I can before the grey skies return. I stand basking in the sunlight, grateful that I have this opportunity to participate in a different culture, discover a sense of history different from that of my home country, and explore Roman roads, hiking trails, tractor paths and foot paths that lead me to unknown locales.

I feel a sense of freedom here that I don’t have in the States. I used to think it came from not knowing the language, but now I think it may be due to the lifestyle. My daily routines that I do are the same here—shop for food, go for walks, talk with my neighbors—but somehow it is also different. There is less sense of stress here. Certainly people still have problems, but as a community they seem to work together to solve those problems.

I find time has no real meaning and one can easily live in the present moment.

With gratitude,

Reading in the garden; basking in the sunshine

Every Step of the Way

I find it so interesting that often when you read an artist's bio, look at their webpage, and see all their qualifications, it all seems so easy. It looks like they popped out of the womb as an accomplished artist. And it all seems so matter-of-fact that they are where they are in the world today.

For me, I find that every little step of the way—every “first”—is a moment to be celebrated. First class in art school. First exhibit in a gallery. First webpage. First exhibit in a museum. First exhibit in Paris. First residency. Each one is a new opportunity to share my art with the world.

Here I am, sitting at a desk in a secluded cottage with my mind as my only companion. And I just discovered that I am now considered a “Fellow”—my first designation as such.

Finding joy in the everyday; seeking shapes in the physical world; finding connections between the exterior and interior psyche: this is my mission.

The way I move forward when working on my art is by responding to what excites me. Which line makes my heart beat faster? Which color makes me dream all night? Which ray of sunlight inspires me?

I'm always excited to share my creations with you. I invite you to share them with your loved ones, especially during this upcoming holiday season, or as gifts for winter birthdays or other occasions.

1) Fine art prints of Las Flores Tropicales series that was exhibited in Paris this past fall are now available. Choose from the images below and let me know which of the flowers you would like, or go to my online store to make your purchase.

2) Original art is available by clicking here, or of course, just hit 'reply' to this email and let me know what you are looking for.

3) Color, texture and playfulness are all features of the new collection of Silkies that just arrived. These touchable artworks made for small children are very soft, and often become constant companions, like a blankie might be. I think your little ones will adore their gift of a Silkie, which are comforting and educational at the same time.

Las Flores Tropicales series, paintings on silk now for sale as limited edition fine art prints on archival matte paper.

Babies LOVE Silkies! Each Silkies is a unique work of art.

Thank you for your support, and during this holiday week and always, please be safe!

-Rene

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.

Creature Comforts - Fine Art print of original silk painting

Artist-in-Residence:

November 1 - 30, 2020
AIR Serenbe Artist in Residence:
Fiber Forward Focus Fellowship
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
USA

Investigation & Inquiry

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

Adding New Dimensions to My Art

I'll keep this newsletter short today with just three items of note. My artwork and art career have taken on some new dimensions, and I couldn't wait to share them with you! Music, video, and audio recordings are all in store:

1) Ed Cashin of Atlanta, GA was inspired to compose music to accompany my tropical flower paintings. I invite you to click on the links below to listen to two examples.

Orchid Riot

Aechmea Caudata

Which of the two compositions do you like best? I'm intrigued by the different energy that is captured in each piece. They each have their own personality!

2) The Columbus Museum's program "60 Seconds with the Artist" for their virtual museum invited me to discuss the "12th and Broadway, Columbus, Ga" large-scale painting I created for my exhibit "Discovering the Chattahoochee Valley" there in 2015-16. Click here to listen to that interview.

I'm proud to be included with so many accomplished artists in this audio visual series.

12th and Broadway. Columbus, GA

Included here is your invitation to our Vernissage (art reception) in Paris:

Exhibition invitation for you, designed by Alejandra Paz

3) AND last but not least: You can watch a video interview with the curator of the Paris exhibit and me regarding the exhibit that is on display through October 15th.

Christina and René discussing the premise of the exhibit in the video.

Included here is also the interview with Christina and my co-exhibitor Anne Buxerolle; her interview is in French.

All of the  "Les temps de la forêt" artworks are for sale except for Coffee Arabica #3 and #4, as they were purchased last week by a collector in Oklahoma (Thank you, Tom!). Contact Christina or me for purchase inquiries. 

Thank you for taking the time to look at (and listen to) these links. And please let me know your opinions on all this new work - I ALWAYS appreciate hearing from you!

With gratitude,

-René

Now On Exhibit:

August  28 - October 15, 2020
Reception: October 1st
Les temps de la forêt:
de l'écorce à la fleur
La Caféothèque de Paris
52, rue de l'Hotel de Ville
 Paris, 75004, France

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, in France, and beyond.

With gratitude, 
-René