Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Lewis.
Hi Renee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I always loved coloring books, paint-by-number sets, etc., and art was always my favorite subject in school. One of my teachers urged me to apply to art school in high school. Soon I was off to the School of Art at Syracuse University, where I earned a B.F.A. in Fabric Design. During my junior year, I spent a semester abroad, living in Amsterdam with a Dutch family and studying Dutch and Art History. As part of my curriculum, I learned silk screening and weaving.
Here is where the story takes a turn, taken by many young women of my generation. Instead of heading to New York City and the fabric design industry – I got married and moved to New Hampshire and Maine, where my two children were born. We divorced when they were five and six, and I became a single parent wearing every hat; my art began to take a very back seat. I was determined to be there for them and for them to go to college, which they did, and they are each wonderful citizens of the world now.
Finally, I left the corporate world and turned my son’s room into my studio. I returned to basics and started drawing again – and couldn’t stop! The minute I completed a piece, I had to create a new one. It was so bottled up inside that nothing could stop the flow. I realized that I was fulfilling an unfulfilled dream of my Dad. He was a musician; he played the piano, saxophone, and clarinet. But my Grandparents were afraid he would become a ‘bum’ and discouraged him. Then he met my Mom, and WWII came calling. He lived to 93 and, almost to his last day, always asked me, “Why did I give up the music?” It became clear that I was doing the same thing with my art. So, happily, I am a professional, award-winning artist honoring his legacy and my true love.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it was not a smooth road. Being a single parent brought many joys and financial and emotional challenges. I was determined to be there for them; we are still very close. When I started to create again, I had to find places to show my work and seek out other artists. There were rejections from galleries, but also I started hearing the word ‘yes.’
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My original art is created on a black mat board with colored pencils, oil crayons, markers, and pastels. I primarily celebrate women, they are more interesting to draw, and I believe women sustain the universe. Regarding my single parenthood, I am most proud of how my two children turned out. In terms of my art, I am very proud of what I have accomplished – selling my work, teaching art classes, being in a few galleries, doing outdoor art festivals winning many awards, and having people recognize my unique style.
What’s next?
I have recently created a line of scarves from my original art. My goal is to get the scarves into more museum shops and boutiques.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reneeschwadronlewis.com
