…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.
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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!
How did February get to be so busy?
Do you feel as busy as I do? Not only is it the month of love, but apparently it is the month of art, too! Here is a list of the upcoming events I am participating (or teaching!) and I wanted to be sure you had the chance to add them to your calendar:
Love in All It’s Many Forms
KA Artist Shop
February 14 - March 31, 2017
Reception: Thursday, March 16th, 2017 7-9pm
127 N Jackson St. Athens, GA 30601 / Phone: 706-850-1224
Love On the Side
Creature Comforts Brewing Company
February 14 - Feb 25, 2017
Reception: Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 5-8 pm
271 W Hancock Ave. Athens, Ga 30601 / Phone: 706-410-1043
Solo Exhibition
Heirloom Cafe & Fresh Market
March through April, 2017
Reception: TBA
815 N. Chase St. Athens, Ga 30601 / Phone: 706-354-7901
Let There Be Art 2017
Invitational Art Show & Sale at Columbus Museum of Art
April 6-13, 2017
Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, GA 31906
Solo Exhibition
Ville de Felletin, France
June 21 - August 19, 2017
Reception: TBA
12 place Charles-de-Gaulle 23500 Felletin, France / Phone: 05 55 66 51 11
Workshop - Silk Painting
KA Artist Shop
Saturday, March 11, 2017 1-5 PM, KA Artist Shop
127 N Jackson St. Athens, GA 30601 / Phone: 706-850-1224
Businesses That Inspire Me #2: American Giant
Sometimes I am so delighted by a business transaction that I feel compelled to share how good the experience - and the company - are. In this moment of admiration, I realize how much I can learn from a well-run, ethical company about how I should transact business with my customers.
I first read about the apparel company American Giant on another blog post, and right away I knew this was a company I wanted to watch. The clothing looked comfortable and stylish, but it was the story that really grabbed my attention: American Made and Built to Last. I requested a catalog - because I love paper catalogs and getting things in the mail - and when it arrived I was even more pleased. The catalog was sumptuous, printed on nice heavyweight paper, with good color and layout, and great photography. The message was clear - "We started American Giant with a simple goal: MAKE EXCEPTIONAL CLOTHES IN THE USA, AND OFFER THEM AT A FAIR PRICE."
Wow - I like it! The attention to detail, the quality of the merchandise, and the way American Giant told their story all had me reaching for the “buy now” button. I ordered their newly released pant (“designed to fit and flatter every body type”) and essential hoodie, because for me - that is the perfect casual outfit!
Once I placed my order, the communication from the company was clear and timely. I was even more pleased with the speed of delivery. I received a message informing me that “The Pant” was so popular (even though it had just been introduced) that its expected ship date would be the day my zip hoodie was to arrive, but it turned out that it actually arrived with the rest of my order, making me very happy.
And oh, how I love a good box! Everything was packed neatly in a box that was just the right size. When my order arrived (so quickly!, even with free shipping), I had the perfect ensemble for travel, work, and kicking around town - a black fitted pant and a beautiful, comfortable, well-fitting black hoodie! I have been looking for the perfect black hoodie for a long time, and now I have found it. Once I tried my new purchases on, I realized how comfortable this outfit was. I was sold. So, lessons learned from this transaction are those I want to apply to my own practice:
- Offer a great product (well made, timeless, and high quality and attention to detail).
- Offer exceptional customer service (pay attention to your customer, anticipate questions, and keep in touch through every step of the transaction).
- Use high quality, attractive packaging, and ship in a timely manner.
- Make the customer happy with their newly acquired item.
- Offer Free returns - “any item, any reason, any time”
- Include the Statement of Purpose everywhere - loud and clear and in easy to understand language
Now I can carry these lessons into my art business as it grows and blossoms. Planning for success means paying attention to lessons all around me.
Another business that inspires me? Moo! Check out my review HERE
Thanks for being here! What businesses are inspiring you lately? I'd love to hear!
SPEAKING OF INSPIRATION: LOVE OF THE LOCAL
If you're in Athens, be sure to see this exquisite exhibition with artist and textile designer (& yet another business that inspires me) Sara Parker:
February 6th-24th @ UGA
Improvisation in Repeat is the result of a process of deconstruction and play. These pieces each execute a concept or set of guidelines which, while agreed on in advance, require reconsideration and improvisation at every stage of creation. The concepts on display range from a mathematical approach to color mixing, layering to create depth and density, and color blending via image masking and transparency.
MORE INSPIRATION: MY LOVE OF LIFE
Just a handful of images to give you a glimpse into my world. I am so fortunate to make work that I love and to travel!
A Sense of Design: My UGA experience + new workshop
Thanks, University of Georgia Fabric Design Department!
I was invited to teach silk painting at the University of Georgia Fabric Design Department this week. It felt like full circle; this is where I went to school, and although they do not teach silk painting at this time, this is where I learned this technique!
I will be teaching silk painting again Saturday, September 17 in Athens. Sign up here! If you’ve been thinking about expanding your artistic skills, this class will be a great opportunity to explore ideas and learn a new craft. We can start refining your design ideas and we can also discuss possible gifts for your friends and family.
If you’ve taken the class before, I welcome and encourage taking it again! We will work on extending your skills to try something new. When I teach at KA Artist, we explore the possibilities of using a resist line to create a “drawing” with the gutta (or wax-like substance), but you could easily create a watercolor effect without the lines, or paint on a pre-treated silk that will keep the dye from spreading, or we can explore layering designs on the silk – there are many interesting effects to try out.
