Which mottos do you live by? I’d be interested in knowing! My latest is a note on the blackboard in my studio that reads, “May I move forward with grace and ease,” which brings me a sense of peace and direction every time I read it.
"Station", on Rue Vieille, Aubusson
My exhibit, Places + Names, at Galerie des Marches in Aubusson opens Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 6 p.m. I wish you could be there! As I prepare for the reception, I know my community far and wide will be with me in spirit at the gallery, and I will savor their support. The night will be a memorable event, one of joy and expectation, and contentment.
René Shoemaker discusses her painting, “Floating”
I recall at my very first gallery opening, Ethereal Spaces at Clayton Street Gallery, Athens, GA in 2001, the joy I felt from simply standing there, basking in the ambiance, answering questions and talking to people about their personal responses to my artwork. My art was hanging freely, unhindered by attachment to the wall, swaying in the air currents as visitors walked by.
Ethereal Spaces, Clayton Street Gallery, Athens GA 2001
Now, 21 years later, my current gallerist and I are returning to that original vision of how my art should be displayed: freely, light, and with the energy of life.
My adopted country of France (for six years now!) inspires me, and living here has given me the sensibilities to delve deeper into my consciousness to see what can be mined. Those early years, which at the time felt so lonely, were really a catalyst to set my creativity free. Today my desire to exhibit is constant, wherever I am in the world.
Jérôme Bel at his gallery, Galerie des Marches, Aubusson
Silk is my métier, color my language, line my inspiration. I love working with Jérôme, who said early on in our meetings, more than a year ago, “René, No more ‘silk artist!’ YOU are a contemporary artist!” I bask in his words when he says my lines are “Matissian,” as Henri Matisse has been my most constant mentor throughout the years.
I love my life.
In the stillness of the early morning light, when the roosters are just beginning to crow and the donkeys bray for their morning meal, I sit with my coffee in the garden, asking the sun to warm my body and soul.
If you wish to invite my artwork into your environment, all works in the exhibit are for sale. Feel free to contact me at rene@reneshoemaker.com, or my gallerist Jérôme Bel (he speaks English fluently) at galeriedesmarches@gmail.com or phone him at +33 (0) 679 481 384. I would be forever delighted to know my art is sharing your space, and I am always grateful for your comments and purchases.
Athens News:
If you are in Athens, you can see my paintings at Athens Art & Frame. They have arranged my Doors of Athens paintings along with a number of my other paintings on the Local Artist's wall. I am in good company there and I encourage you to go see the collection.
The Doors of Athens collection of original paintings beautifully displayed at Athens Art & Frame
In a bit of hometown news, our beloved vegetarian restaurant, The Grit, closed its doors after 36 years. The Grit storefront was included in my Doors of Athens series, and although the original painting sold early on, a beautiful high-quality print is available at my online store. I feel like a bit of an historian sometimes, as I often capture a building or scene in a town that subsequently disappears. In my Columbus Museum exhibition, Discovering the Chattahoochee Valley in 2015-2016, one of the artworks the Museum kept for its permanent collection was a corner building that was demolished by the time the exhibition opened to the public. I’m proud to say I have received two Historic Preservation awards from Georgia cities for this architectural appreciative eye.
I think I have this thing for storefronts: The Grit, Athens, GA
The Grit’s entranceway is also included onThe Doors of Athens poster and t-shirt. The poster is available at Community, the K.A. Artist Shop, or in my online shop; the t-shirt can be purchased at Community.
Your Doors of Athens t-shirt would look really good on you.
The Grit print and Doors of Athens poster both celebrate the vitality of Athens, GA.
Thanks for following along! I hope to see you soon, here, there, or elsewhere.
Love,
René