We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee Fleuranges-Valdes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
While in my 38 year professional career in the software industry, I worked hard to maintain some resemblance of work life harmony. I went to all my children’s games, was the Girl Scout Leader, was the parent who was always there to chaperone class trips, etc… But all that came at a price. It meant I worked many late nights and early mornings. I got it done on both fronts to the determent of my health. I was the age of the SuperWomen and Sandwich Generation. I did it all professionally in the name of my career and for the sake of my family and lost myself. Both my physical and mental health suffered as a result. I am so happy woman of today no longer feel the pressure to do it all, and are not afraid to drop a few balls as they take care of themselves.

Now in my second career as a fiber artist, a career where I determine the priorities, I am following the lead of many younger female entrepreneurs. I choose when to say Yes and when to say No. I take on only as much as I want to give of myself. My husband loves this new me. As an artist, not enough time in the studio means you are not doing what makes you whole. Creating is my #2 priority, my family has always come first. Everything else, takes a back seat. But to be successful, I still have to market myself. I also write for an international magazine, I teach both in person and virtually, and I speak to groups on creating fiber art and how it has allowed me to find myself. All of these are critical to being recognized as an artist on a global level, but I get to decide how much work I choose to put in and when. I think I have finally defined what that balance looks like for myself and am luckily in a position to manage to it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself a representational fiber artist. If you have to ask what that is, you wouldn’t be alone. Heck, it took me awhile to get here and figure it out for myself! I tell stories via my art using textiles. I love being a storytelling artist. Many of the stories have built up inside of me for so long and are screaming to be told. I find inspiration for my art in the joys of life. ‘Look at how far we have come’… ‘Aren’t we blessed to have our ancestors to stand upon’… ‘Yes, life is an oyster’…, etc… But I also try to tell my stories in ways that others can relate to. My goal is to use the art that has helped me find myself, help others do the same. I want viewers and collectors to be able to see themselves or loved ones in my art. I hope it puts a smile on their face, helps them to remember a special time, person or experience. I believe we all travel a path that is somehow connected to others, and I hope my art helps bridge that connection.

Looking at my work, what most viewers comment on are the little details. I think that is what I am most proud of. Just when many would think a piece is done, is when my fun starts. I like to add hidden messages in my fiber art and use embellishments to highlight different components. One collector said she continues to see new things in a piece that she owns almost every time she stops and gives it a closer look. It is those details that gallerist say give my work that extra oomph, and warrants that second or third look and even a purchase. I am a firm believer that details do matter..

Getting here wasn’t easy. First of all, I was a crafter, not an artist. Yet, the constant need to create was like a fire in my belly. It wasn’t until folks kept asking if I sold my quilts, that I realized it was even a possibility to think of myself as an artist. The hard thing was once I made that leap, was how did I value my work. Ok, yes I will sell you something, but at what price? Fiber art is an expensive art form. Like all art, you have spent years honing your craft, playing and practicing until you can get to that point where it speaks to others. But fiber art includes a lot of waste. Yes waste, like throw it in the garbage waste. Plus there is the trial and error part. No that yellow really doesn’t work in that sunrise, or the perspective is off so you have to recut the fabric. That’s all money that gets thrown away, yet has to be costed into a piece. Setting the right price is very hard to get comfortable with. Too low and your business fails, too high and you miss your market. And just who is your target customer and what will they pay?  I still struggle with this. Luckily, I talked to other artists, and I talked to appraisers to get help at setting prices early on. They help you understand how to value your work beyond time and materials. Has your work ever been juried into a competitive competition? Has it won any ribbons or awards? Has it hung in galleries or museums that are hard to get into, etc… ? All of that helps build your brand and gives your brand value that in turns helps to set the market value/price for your work. As time went on, and the value of my art increased, then I had to learn to actually tell someone what it cost. I had to get comfortable with the fact that not everyone would be able to afford my art. That I shouldn’t feel bad for them, and definitely shouldn’t consider devaluing my work to fit their pocketbook. Just saying these words puts my heart in a twist. But then I remember the old saying ‘champagne taste on a beer budget’ and realize I have been there myself many times over, and that is okay.  I have learned to Thank them for the interest and move on

I think all in all, being an artist is a constant struggle. You struggle to create art that speaks to people. You struggle to get your art out into the world, to get known. (Yes, I am still struggling with this.). And you struggle to make a living off of your art. So what do I tell myself over and over? Put in the work, keep growing, keep creating art that speaks to me, art that makes my heart sing, and sooner or later the world will recognize its value. God has a plan, I just have to trust in myself to follow his plan and everything else will fall into place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I moved to the Charleston, SC area 4 years ago and have enjoyed exploring my new home state immensely. Not only is the city rich in history, many call it the foodie capital of the south!. So while I am still exploring myself, here are a few of my must do’s and sees in Charleston.

History: The Old Slave Market Museum, The International African American Museum, The Old Provost/Exchange, The Charleston Museum (America’s first museum), The Gibbs Museum of Art, and at least two of the many plantations… Magnolia Gardens Plantation, The McLeod Plantation, Middleton Place, Drayton Hall or the Charleston Tea Plantation to name a few. Want to see where the Civil War started, take a ferry to Fort Sumter and take a tour of the grounds and museum. The list is actually endless when it comes to history, so I always include a horse drawn carriage tour of the downtown, so you know what to go back and see in more detail. My favorite carriage company is The Old South Carriage Company. Lastly, everyone who comes to visit me MUST go see The Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island. This majestic 400+ yr old Living Oak is mesmerizing. Tour buses are there daily, so if you don’t have a car it is worth the cost of a tour or Uber.

Food: oh boy…. First, we try not to do chains, and try to stay away from fast food or touristy spots. With that as caveats, here are our must do’s: The Royal Tern on John’s Island for the best food and service in an unpretentious setting hands down. Come as you are or get dressed for dinner it doesn’t matter. We have seen tuxedos and shorts, both work. Their signature fish of the day is always worth the visit. Equally a must is Hank’s Seafood a block from the Charleston Market in downtown Charleston. My favorite is their flavorful Cioppino, which is an Italian seafood stew. It just melts in your mouth! Oh and save room for the Bourbon Pecan Pie. Don’t think the traditional sweet pie, instead think buttery pecan ‘tart’. Sometimes I want to order it instead of an appetizer. With both of these places PLEASE reserve early… even up to 30 days in advance for a weekend. When I say they are my favorite, I am not alone! Other noteworthy spots include Magnolia’s and Pearlz, both on Bay Street, downtown Charleston; Ellis Creek Fish Camp on James Island; Oyster Shack and Laura’s in Summerville; Nico’s, Tavern & Table and Vickery’s in Shem Creek (the last two have great waterside dining as Shem Creek is an experience in itself) and last but not least for lunch try out The Tomato Shed on your way back from The Angel Oak Tree.

Other notable things to do: Visit Edisto Beach, walk the Folly Pier at Folley Beach, do the galleries along Bay and Broad St., and take a boat ride in the harbor or along the Intercostal Waterway. There are charters to take you fishing, but of course if you are staying with us, Bob and I will take you out on the water for sure!

The last thing I would mention is that Charleston is a great home base for day trips: Go to Hudsons for lunch while visiting Hilton Head Island; visit Brookgreen Gardens (a statue botanical garden) in Murrells Inlet, right outside of Myrtle Beach; visit The Penn Center on historical St Helena’s Island and then stroll Beaufort’s beautiful waterfront walkway in downtown Beaufort; and enjoy the on and off trolly in Savannah to learn more history. All of these are no more than a 2 hour drive, so they are definitely a day trip worth adding if you have the extra time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I LOVE the Shoutout theme! I have learned through the years that we get nowhere by ourselves. In my early years of motherhood I don’t know how I would have survived my life as wife, mother, part time caregiver to my grandfather and professional career women without the support of my husband. He has supported my journey for the last 41 years. I traveled extensively for work, and would never have been able to meet those commitments without Mr Mom, as everyone called him. Yes, he had the support of my parents, but he stepped up and hit the ball out of the park, getting our two kids ready in the morning when I was out of town, to/from extra curricular activities, juggling extra support from friends as needed, even cooking for my mother as she aged. As the kids grew up and my fiber art business grew, he kicked it in gear again and started helping out in anyway he could, walking show floors, and of course using his muscle to load and unload the car as we traveled for the business. So I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, ROBERT VALDES. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also give a shoutout to my children who are my biggest cheerleaders… my daughter, Raven Valdes-Kenworthy and my son, Robert Valdes. Lastly my creative sisters along the way namely, Claire Oehler who owned the local quilt shop that I ‘grew up’ in as an artist for opening my eye to art quilts, and my creative sounding board, Ashley Mackey, who helps to quelch my fears if a think a piece is failing. They always say it takes a village, and my journey had and has a village and more!

Website: www.quiltedartistry.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/quiltedartistry

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/reneefleurangesvaldes/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/renee.fleurangesvaldes

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