Fiber Fine Art – Meet Local Artist, Rene Dickey.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
Local artist, Rene Dickey says she will never forget the first moment that she entered a yarn store – “…it was earth shattering, ground breaking, perhaps not what most people feel when they see yarn for the first time, but for me it was revolutionary…” That exact moment was when her love affair with fiber began, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. We were delighted when Rene took some time out of her busy schedule as an artist and yarn store owner to tell us more about her fiber journey, and answer a few questions for The Woolpack.
How long have you been creating art with fiber and can you tell us about your journey?
I began experimenting with fiber in my artwork 25 years ago while studying Fine Art at Ringling College of Art and Design. My focus was creating paintings addressing humans’ need to care for our beautiful planet, but I was struggling with the flatness and hypocrisy of using acrylic paint. My creative world flipped upside down when I discovered our local yarn store. The amazing abundance of color and texture along with the low negative environmental impact and innate reflection of nature the yarns provided was the ideal medium for my art work. The endless possibilities of form, color, pattern, and texture continue to inspire and fascinate me today.
Which type of fibers do you enjoy working with and how do you source them?
My favorite yarns to work with are hand-dyed single ply wool, silk and mohair blends, and a bit of a sparkly accent. I choose yarns that are environmentally friendly and mulesing free. Recently I have been experimenting with dyeing my own fibers which allows me to create the exact colors I desire, and is an incredibly fun and interesting process.
What techniques do you use to create your art?
I use knitting and crochet, each possessing their own strengths and weaknesses.
What is it that you love about your craft?
I love that I am creating something that is real, not an illusion. It’s endearing to witness people’s desire to reach out and touch my work affirming the deep human connection to color, texture and the craft. I also love the meditative process of knitting and how easy it is to bring with you, and do anywhere.
How would you describe your preferred color palette?
I am continually inspired by the gardens and forests around me and feel very fortunate to live in the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Where can we view your art?
At my upcoming show at the Kent Art Center Gallery September 2- Oct 24, 2024, on my website www.renestudioknits.com
and there are rotating pieces at my new yarn store in Bellevue, The Knitters Studio.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about creating their own fiber art?
Have no fear and get started! Embrace the journey of the creative process. One idea will lead to the next on a winding path that brings you to places unimaginable from the beginning. Mistakes and undesired results are the best ways to discover where you want to go.
Any plans for classes for budding fiber artists?
Yes, beginning in September I will offer a class called Explorations in Fiber Art at The Knitters Studio. This will be a fun, collaborative opportunity where each student will be able to experiment and develop their aesthetic and processes, working with fibers to create visual art. Together we will share ideas, techniques, and push the boundaries of each other’s fiber journey.
You can find out more about Rene’s upcoming classes at www.theknitterstudio.com
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