The Weaving Of My Passions - Staying Current Artist Statement
As Renee likes to put it she is "completely unencumbered by formal instruction" as she is a self taught painter and her art reflects her vibrant and energetic spirit. She’s kind of a wild-haired artist type; she's an organic eat’n health nut that loves connecting her art and her lifestyle with inspiration. Renee is like the straight forward, fun-loving girl next door.
Renee states, "I painted a lot as a kid and was always looking to make those coloring books look like Picasso paintings. I suffered much bullying as a little girl and found peace and contentment when consumed in a creative state. At age 11 my Mom brought me to an OverEaters Anonymous meeting and my spirit was moved as I found peace and healing from a poster with a quote that said, "God Doesn't Make Junk". Since then I have been practicing the 12 Steps Program with Christ as my Higher Power and I love being a universal voice of God's Love, healing, and beauty.
"I give credit to that one inspirational poster that happened to be a "Turning Point" for me at the meeting that day". As so, my hope is that my viewers find that kind of an experience with some of my pieces of inspirational wall art.
When I grew into my teens I got interested in fitness and nutrition, as well as dancing, music and all of the other teenage stuff as my artistic desire grew a lot more serious. At age 19 I decided to go to college to earn a degree in Fine Art. Since 1981 Renee has been a full time artist. Dumont later continued her education with a focus on extended light and color and chooses to hand mix every color on her palette.
Renee states, "The events in my life, my marriage, becoming a Mom, laughter with people whom I adore, bereavement of those dear to me, meaningful music, poor choices, ongoing challenges and occasional triumphs are all reflected in the paintings I create. The artwork may have nothing to do with the event, but every painting is charged with the emotions as my spirit which I believe is moved by God himself. I do have a passion for the bible, the history of our land and the current events that seem to affect each of us.
"When people fall in love with my wall art, they sometimes share that It’s like hearing that certain song come on the radio and “Oh Wow” feel right back in a state of mind. There might be times my collectors have found themselves experiencing something personal with a tear of sorrow and joy all mix in at once. And so I've had thousands of conversations, letters and emails that began with ‘this picture reminds me so much of…"When art ‘clicks’ it triggers an emotional response. If the art can spark smiles and deep feelings of the world we love, places we visited in our imaginations and the types of things that matter most in life. There’s a real connection between art, artist, and viewer."
"THAT’S why I do what I do, and why I go to the lengths that I go to; people only respond to Passion, Authenticity and The Authority of Experience." For this reason my most recent project of completion was to write and illustrate a book about my life and my journey to wellness, entitled, Fixing My Fattening Life”. The book tells the story of how the "Grand Weaver" has lead me to become a health coach using both my art, and my knowledge in nutrition and fitness to coach people of all ages who struggle with lifestyle related illnesses, and poor eating habits.