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

What I Am Looking Forward to this Fall (Hint: one includes Paris)

The upcoming fall season brings much good news. Listed below are 3 items I am especially grateful for and excited to share with you:

I am honored and humbled that AIR Serenbe has chosen me for their artist residency for the month of November. What an honor! I will spend an entire month in the wooded community of Serenbe located southwest of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. I will be in my own cottage, with no assigned tasks except to explore, discover, experiment and create art!  This accomplishment would not be possible without your continued encouragement of my work and me. (Thank you!)

Nehi Cola. Front Ave and 10th St, Columbus, GA, by René Shoemaker

2) I'm also thrilled to report that the Paris exhibit is finally going to happen after many delays due to the pandemic. I will be hanging the tropical flowers themed exhibit at La Caféothèque de Paris next week. In the heart of Paris, La Caféothèque is situated in the 4th arrondissement, right on the Seine River with a view of Notre Dame Cathedral. The exhibit opens on Friday August 28th. The reception (vernissage) will be held in October and I will be sure to let you know the date so that you can plan ahead to attend (!). I am extremely excited to be part of this two-person exhibit, held in the heart of Paris, which includes the French artist Anne Buxerolle.

Begonia 'Raddi', 2020, by René Shoemaker, at La Caféothèque de Paris.

Lévitation 009, by Anne Buxerolle, at La Caféothèque de Paris..

3) Les toits d'Aubusson is included in an exhibit that opened this week at ATHICA, the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art. SPACE: 2020 Juried Exhibition "references SPACE which is found all around us . . . as a concept and a construct with many different connotations." I am proud to have been chosen in this competitive exhibition, which will be on view through September 27.

Les toits d'Aubusson, included in the SPACE exhibit, sold to a collector in Chicago this week

Finally, as you know, for a number of years I've been working hard to bring the best art possible into the world to share with you while seeking to reach a wider, global audience. In the service of this goal, I am raising my prices on original art effective October 1st. As my subscribers, collectors, and loyal supporters I wanted to offer you this window of time to buy original art at the original price. (Fine art prints will remain at their current price.)

In 2001 when I first exhibited at the Clayton Street Gallery in Athens, Georgia, a silk painting sold, unframed, for $100. Today, the cost of materials, upkeep for the studio and working every day to bring my best art into the world is not sustainable at my current prices. Adjusting the prices to more  accurately account for the value of time, labor, and skill I invest and the quality of the materials I use will insure that I can pay my monthly bills, allow my business to thrive, and enable me to continue to create art over the long term.

I appreciate your understanding, and as always, I am abundantly grateful for all the ways in which you continue to inspire and support me. 

Église de Notre-Dame de Montluçon, France

La Creuse, France

Upcoming:

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

Now On Exhibit:
August  15 - September 27, 2020
SPACE: 2020 Juried exhibition
ATHICA: Athens Institute for Contemporary Arts
675 Pulaski St, Suite 1200
Athens, GA 30601, USA