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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!

What is Creativity?

How would you define creativity? You might have a very particular definition, or it might just be a general idea.



Creativity is a topic that is dear to my heart.

I had the opportunity to lead a discussion in a language and cultural exchange group I'm part of in La Creuse. In this association, the native French speakers answer the questions in English, and, well, the native English speakers in the group reply in French (yes, that’s me!).

I was pretty excited to offer a question which seemed out of the norm; a question that I hoped would make the participants ponder a bit. The subjects that we had discussed before had to do with books, authors, the Pantheon, French history, gardening, etc.

 

What is creativity? I asked. What does creativity mean to you?

It’s funny, because for me, creativity is my life and soul. It’s in my bloodstream, and it is in everything I do.

For some of the group, the question did make them uncomfortable. I heard some groaning when I handed out the assignment.

But what wonderful responses grew out of that question, though!

The most beautiful answer, in my opinion, was the taxi driver who wrote about how he found great pleasure in driving through the French countryside, how he was connected to his car, how he found satisfaction in the act of taking people from one place to another. He described how he often transported ill people, people who needed to go to the doctor or the hospital (in the rural areas of France, the state often pays for your taxi ride to medical appointments). While driving, his conversations with the patients took their minds off their worries, and they often complimented him at the end of the ride, saying he had 'transported them away from their problems’.

The answers that came up in the group were so different than my own experiences and definition! It was a very rewarding exchange.

147 Sullivan Street (Purl Soho), Greenwich Village, NYC. Painting on silk by René Shoemaker

Now, before I let you go, I have the last painting from the San Francisco exhibit to share with you. #25: 147 Sullivan St (Purl Soho), Greenwich Village, NYC.

147 Sullivan Street is for now for sale in my online shop.

This turquoise-and-tangerine-colored urban scene is so bright and delightful, and is representative of the architecture found in Greenwich Village. Don't you just want to walk through that door and start exploring?

This vibrant painting, looking right at home in this San Francisco environment, was the one that welcomed all visitors into the gallery and exhibition.

@yollghu spinning tunes at the reception with 147 Sullivan Street watching the scene

It was rewarding to become part of the San Francisco art scene, and is a memory I will never forget.

​As 147 Sullivan Street is the last of the San Francisco exhibition artworks to share with you, I'd like to take this moment to once again thank the talented artist and master gallerist Michelle Thomas, whose biographical artwork we see here.

​What opportunities will 2025 bring for us all?

​Best wishes for a creative new year,

-René

And Now - San Francisco!!

…a body of work, not yet created, of various sized paintings on silk. The paintings of architecture, common spaces, and discovered details would dance and describe the personalities of these three great cities. The collection would not seek to compare the cities, but joyously explore their magic and beauty, welcoming the viewer to respond with joy to these vibrant global metropolises.

Read More

The Joy of Giving . . . Zebras?

Do you like zebras? Do you ever even think about them?

Why in the world is René writing about zebras today?

If the idea of spending a Sunday afternoon in an inviting space, enjoying art, and helping your community appeals to you, read on!

Do you dream of a lazy Sunday afternoon drinking mimosas at the iconic Five & Ten restaurant while viewing the art from some of Athens’ best artists? Good, you’re in Luck! Get ready to be delighted:

This Sunday, April 30th, Five & Ten is hosting the Together We Dazzle exhibition in the heart of Athens’ Five Points. This one-day special event offers an opportunity to spend time with neighbors and friends, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and collect amazing art.

The details:

✨ Together We Dazzle ✨

Art Show + Benefit for the EDS Society

Sunday, April 30th from 3:00-8:00pm

5&10 • 1073 South Milledge Ave, Athens, GA

$10 Minimum Donation

Refreshments + Bar Service

The why:

Have you ever heard of a disease called EDS? No? Neither had I, until about a year ago. A dear friend of mine was beset by an illness that was nearly impossible to diagnose, but after 10 years of perseverance, good health habits, self-awareness and research, and finding the right team of doctors that understand this condition, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and now she can continue to pursue her lovely, exuberant, artistic life.

If you are like me, you may never have heard of EDS, but it is worth learning about. As you can imagine, the EDS Society relies on donations to fund research and provide grants to help our loved ones. You can read more about the disease, the research, and the stories of individuals with EDS on the EDS website.

As a reminder, all ticket sales, bar drink purchases, and percentage of all artwork sales from this event will be donated to the EDS Society.

Psst!

I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but zebras will be highlighted, and they have their very own space in the exhibition. Go see!

If you’ve ever been to Five & Ten, you know it occupies an absolutely wonderful historic house, now restaurant, designed by Athens’ own Fred J. Orr. It is a joy just to be there.

Pray tell, how do zebras fit into this picture? I'm so glad you asked! Read more about zebras and dazzle and the exhibit at the event website.

Please join an amazing group of local artists this Sunday from 3:00-8:00 pm at Five & Ten, which has generously donated its space for this benefit.

There will be both original art and fine art prints for sale from many artists, including me. If you do go, please send me a report. How I wish I could be there to share in this special Athens experience!

Love, René