Reni Soares
Reni Soares is a mixed-media artist based in San Diego, CA. Born and raised on a small island off the west coast of Africa, known as Cape Verde, Reni’s work has been heavily influenced by her upbringing. Most of her childhood was spent playing outdoors or by the ocean. She uses visual information from her past and her immediate surroundings to create intricate painterly abstractions.
Having immigrated to the United States as a teenager, Reni had the opportunity to experience two different cultures, which ultimately shaped her into the individual she is today. At times, it felt like she had two different cultural identities, forcing her to find a balance between the two. Reni approaches her work the same way she approaches life. She aims to create harmony between two different elements or concepts. Her work carefully blends unpredictability and intention, abstraction and figuration, painterly blurs and minimalist hard edges.
www.renisoaresart.com
Who and/or what are your influences when you were first starting out vs. now?
When I first started out, my influences were heavily drawn from nature, particularly the ocean and skyscape. Being raised on an island, surrounded by the beauty of nature, deeply influenced my early work. My childhood spent outdoors provided me with a profound connection to the elements, which I translated onto canvas. Now, while those influences still play a significant role, I've also incorporated more nuanced themes and techniques, drawing inspiration from a wider range of sources while still maintaining a strong connection to the natural world.
What is your favorite thing about the material/s you use?
I love working on raw canvas. I’m able to create this stain technique that I wouldn’t be able to achieve on primed canvas. My favorite aspect is the way the raw canvas absorbs the paint, creating depth and texture. I also adore how the colors effortlessly blend with one another, creating harmonious and captivating compositions.
What would you say is hidden just underneath the surface of your work? Meaning, what are you revealing to your viewers?
Just underneath the surface of my artwork lies a constant exploration of creating balance between opposing elements. This reflects not only in the visual composition but also in the conceptual layers of my work, revealing a multifaceted and multi-dimensional narrative. I strive to avoid feeling boxed in by embracing dichotomies, allowing for adaptability and evolution within my practice. Each piece is a reflection of my own multi-layered personality, resonating with viewers who also navigate the complexities of life's dichotomies. Through my art, I reveal the interconnectedness of seemingly contrasting ideas, inviting viewers to explore the depth and adaptability inherent in every aspect of existence.
Can you tell us about a turning point in your practice? Was there a moment when things started clicking?
This year has felt like a turning point in my art practice. I've become more disciplined, shifting my mindset from viewing art as a hobby to treating it as a serious career path. Prioritizing my work has been crucial, and I've committed to showing up and creating even on days when inspiration feels elusive. Rather than waiting for the spark of inspiration, I've learned to get to work, trusting that the process itself will lead to breakthroughs. Embracing the journey and enjoying the process, rather than fixating on a perfect outcome, has been a significant mindset shift for me, leading to greater satisfaction and growth in my art.
In honor of our women’s issue, who are three women and/or gender nonconforming artists that inspire you?
Three women artists who inspire me greatly are Emily Mason, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler. Their process and gestural techniques captivate me. I admire their bold experimentation with color, pushing the boundaries of traditional palettes. As revolutionaries of their time, they changed the course of modern art, paving the way for other women artists to follow. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring generations to come.
