Today we’d like to introduce you to Renée Switkes.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My passion for art began at a young age when I would spend hours in my room drawing. A visit to the De Young art museum, made possible by a high school friend's parents, further influenced my interest in art. Their encouragement inspired me to enroll in college to learn more. Lacking a role model to show me the possibility of becoming a full-time artist, I chose the path of an art instructor instead. I enjoy teaching children to love creating and this has been a fulfilling career. Unfortunately, I allowed it to take priority over my artistic pursuits for many years. After encountering various life challenges, I took the time to reassess my priorities. With my husband’s support, we established a space for me to paint. Since 2021, my art has transitioned from being an afterthought to becoming my primary focus, significantly changing my life for the better.
As a San Jose State University student, I enrolled in various art courses from sculpture to painting. I thoroughly enjoyed each class and delved into various mediums including bronze, ceramics, metalsmithing, watercolors, and oils. While I initially found sculptures a great way to convey my ideas, I soon realized that they required significantly more space and were challenging to transport. Unfortunately, many of my creations from that period have been lost or discarded. Because of that, when I returned to making art, I chose to create only two-dimensional work. I began making zentangle drawings with ink, watercolors, and colored pencils. Then, I inherited a large collection of acrylic paints from my mother-in-law, followed by a stack of canvases gifted to me by a friend whose late aunt had owned them. I experimented with different subjects until one Mother's Day when we visited the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden and captured photographs of the roses. That memorable day marked the beginning of my floral focus.
Tell us about your art and the inspiration behind it.
While I admire several modern artists, Georgia O’Keeffe has had the most profound impact on me with her unwavering passion and resilience against negativity that could have hindered her creativity. Many artists face a barrage of opinions on what they should or shouldn't create, and I sometimes find myself caught in that whirlwind, especially with the current trend favoring abstract art. My love for painting flowers blossomed as a way to cope with the loss of my greatest supporter and motherly figure, Phyllis Semple. During my teenage years, I treasured the moments spent with her in her garden, where I learned the names of various flowers and plants. She instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of flowers, which has become a significant part of my life. A few years ago, I discovered floriography and began to embrace it as a form of self-expression. I enjoy researching and learning about each flower I create, often uncovering the symbolism that resonates with my emotions.
Additionally, visiting gardens allows me to connect with nature in a thoughtful way. I enjoy the experience of basking in the sun, observing the sky, and appreciating nature's vibrant colors. Over time, I discovered my fascination with the interplay of shadow and light. I notice the subtle hues within shadows and the unique details of each petal that many people overlook as they pass by the blooms. This deep connection with nature infuses my art with a sense of tranquility and harmony, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty around them.
Do you have any news you'd like to tell us about?
-I currently have five paintings in the Ethereal Bloom exhibition at Voss Gallery, 3344 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
-Come see my work at ArtSpan’s San Francisco Open Studios on September 28th and 29th, from 11am to 5pm, at the Leon Event Hall, 5051 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
-My experimental piece, Unleashing Potential, is in the Boundaries exhibition at the New Museum 106 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA
-Join me at my Alameda Artworks Open Studios on the second Saturday of each month, and for Silicon Valley Open Studios in May.
I have new exhibitions each month, so the best way to stay current on my upcoming events is to subscribe to my website, artbyreneeswitkes.com.
Contact Info
Website: www.artbyreneeswitkes.com
Instagram: @artbyreneeswitkes
