Introducing Renee from Renee Molineaux Art. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Mid North Coast NSW, Worimi Country, Renee hand weaves baskets and paints amazing artworks, inspired by her culture as a proud Australian Aboriginal Artist Gadigal Woman.
Find out why Renee started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
My creative practice includes painting, weaving and basketry, although I enjoy many mediums. I paint with acrylics or ochre or mixed media mostly. My weaving is mostly with plant fibres like raffia. More recently I've been enjoying working with pandanus.
Gathering eucalyptus and creating colour from natures palette is a gentle process I'm doing more of, as well as using bark in my baskets. My preferred processes are slow and gentle. I still love to paint and usually create art around the land, sky and waters. I'm looking forward to diving more into sculptural pieces also. Upcycling also plays a part and I utilize textiles and packaging or "waste" in some of pieces.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
My journey definitely began in childhood. At the heart of it all, I think my journey to where I am now as an Artist is deeply connected to all of my life up until this point. I see it as a removal of things that stood in the way of living at my best.
My art practice has also supported my management of trauma. Often people feel a surge of creative energy after painful experiences and it's a gentle yet powerful approach to healing & wellbeing. It's a way of life for me now.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere, internally and externally.
My inspiration comes from within, my own spirit and inner nature being curious and playful, from understanding of culture and love of Country and nature - from seasonal changes or from the materials themselves.
Where did you learn your craft?
I'm thankful I had a mother who understood the power in letting kids be kids and have time and space for free play. Along the way I've been blessed to learn everything I know from a wide range of people. Nothing formal at all - I've always been encouraged by others that share skills to develop my own style and be free in creating, as no ultimate right or wrong way.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
I think handmade artistry is like a snap-shot of the times and human expression. In fast paced high tech sometimes harsh environments I think it's a remedy, like Medicine.
Renee is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Renee Molineaux Art, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
