A number of years ago I had a dream. I dreamt that I wanted to go to Europe so badly (which was true) but I did not know how or when I could get there (also true). The dream was so vivid that when I woke up I made a piece of art—a silk painting—expressing the emotions I experienced in the dream. I called the piece "Swimming to Europe," because yes, that was what the dream was about. In the dream, my husband Harvey and I were swimming to Europe because we knew of no other way to get there.
As of this writing, I am not sure when we will return to France.
France seems so far away right now.
We are enjoying living in our woods in North Georgia, but the open skies of La Creuse are calling us.
As a substitute for being there, I am sharing with you some of the paintings I created of the community of Felletin, including a photo my friend Becky took of me proudly standing with one of my subjects while I was giving her a tour.
Just outside of Felletin, if you turn left and go up a hill, you will discover this sign—one sign for two villages with similar but different names (one is plural and the other is singular). How intriguing! I have not yet discovered the story behind this, but I bet it is a good one!
High on another hill to the east of Felletin is the Château d'Arfeuille. Here is the chapel that is located just outside of the gate of the property.
At the top of Felletin is a lovely little park where the town originally originated. At one corner of the park is this tiny house, which I adore.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing this memory with me!
My interpretation of this little house shows that
this pink house loves to dance!
The results of the art-naming question are in! Thank you to all who replied. Half of the responses are in favor of keeping the names factual, as I normally do; 10% preferred evocative names; and 40% voted for incorporating both approaches in some form.
Two comments I particularly liked were, "The only title I don't like is ‘Untitled’" (I wholeheartedly agree), and "I never purchase art based upon the title of the work.” It was interesting to read your varied reflections on this question, it seems to have created some mixed emotions with lots to think about.
If you have any further feedback on the matter, let me know what you think! You can simply hit “reply” to send me your thoughts.
The items listed here are for sale online in my shop, either in their original form or as fine art prints.
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May your sweet dreams become a reality.
-René
(Originally published May 26, 2020)
Do you like to plan ahead? My next silk painting workshop is scheduled for October 2020 in Athens, GA. You can find more information at the KA Artist Shop. The class will be held over two days so as to offer the time to work with silk, explore the world of color and dyes, make multiple paintings, and develop new creative ideas. And if you would like me to travel to you for a workshop—let’s talk!
My online shop is open and awaiting your visit at reneshoemaker.com/shop
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please share this email and simply hit "reply" to send me questions or comments. I love hearing from you!
Silk Painting Workshop:
October, 2020
Silk Painting Workshop with René Shoemaker
K.A. Artist Shop
Athens, GA
Upcoming Exhibit:
Summer 2020
Floral Heritage of Central America
La Caféothèque de Paris
Paris, 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 cards, postcards, prints and magnets are carried by:
KA Artist Shop .
Thank you for supporting the arts in Athens, and beyond.
With gratitude,
-René