6 Days and Counting....What is ReMe?

It's hard to believe we only have 6 sleeps remaining before returning to the Outer Banks for our flagship retreat on Ocracoke Island!  We call it our flagship retreat because it is the first incarnation of our dream to provide an intimate retreat for artists and creative individuals, who crave an experience that fulfills their mind, body and soul.   ReMe provides the opportunity for our guests to Rest, Relax, Renew in a variety of ways such as: great food, inspiring classes,   peaceful and recharging 'field trips', an infusion of island history, along with plenty of time and places for the guests to be still and reflect in the midst of the comforting salty air of the sea.

 Working with our students to create personal works of art that speaks to their individual nature, its a much more relaxed pace then trying to do the same in a large crowded room.

We found that we could start recognizing each other 'by the sound of their laugh', said student Debra Gabel...so true, and we loved hearing the laughter waiver throughout the house in both our May and October Retreats.

 We found that strangers could bond as fast friends and confidants during the course of the week. There's so much truth to the saying, 'seven degrees of separation'.  The connections and coincidental experiences we discovered about one another was unreal.

We had no idea what to expect at either of our flagship retreats in 2014 but we knew each event would take on a life of its own organically because of our unique and amazing guests.  In 2015 we are sure that the magic will continue between our amazing guests.

 Sharing stories after a fabulou meal, toasting to our new friends and experiences,  was a daily occurrence after classes and events. How lucky we are to be pursuing our dreams in the company of our growing ReMe sisterhood?!  

We hope that you can continue to follow this blog and  perhaps join us in one of our upcoming new events for 2015 and beyond.  

We promise to make you feel special and help to recharge your spirit in every way.

 ReMe is more than a retreat.

It's about Connection.

It's about being Brave and stepping out of your comfort zone.

It's about friendship.

It's about Art and Living a Creative Life.

It's about pursuing dreams.

It's about laughter.

It's about creating something magical.

It will fill your well with memories to carry you through whatever is next.

ReMe is about living life and not waiting until tomorrow.

 ReMe is about being present for the moment before it slips away.

To say we are looking forward to our new 'class' of 2015 in both May and October is an understatement....but without further adieu, from all of us at ReMe-we have lots of work to do ;)

If you are interested in joining us for a ReME retreat, we have a few spaces open for our October experience. This retreat includes most everything other than your travel to the event.  Classes, food, lodging, supplies, and many extras are just some of the things you can expect at ReME.  The sidebar at the left provides a link for the down payment so you can easily join in on this R-emarably  E-extraodinary  M-emorable E-xperience.

How and Why Jean Defined Her Collection

Sentimental Attachments
A Collection Withing my Collection.

One of the best pieces of advice that I received as a professional artist were the words "You must have a Cohesive Collection before marketing your work."  This may not be an exact quote; but I credit the sentiment to Alyson Stanfield.  (Alyson is The Art Biz Coach, and you can learn more about her and her offerings by clicking here.)

Metal and Found Objects as Chimes.
We'll be making chimes, hangings, 
and jewelry at ReMe this year.

When I first heard these words, I resisted.  At the time, I was actively creating almost every form of art that you could imagine, and I loved them all!  How dare she suggest such a thing?!?!?!  As time passed, and the shock wore off, I realized that she was right.  Professionally I had to find the one media and style with which I wanted to be identified long-term,  It had to be the one that was at my core.  Not one that I could live with; but one that I couldn't live without.  My professional development as an artist shifted into high gear as I further defined my true artistic love...found objects and metal.

Since that time, I've come to realize that this declaration of my professional artistic love didn't have to be the end of my affairs with other media.  I still love painting, collage, pottery, inks, beading, and writing.  I find joy in creating in these media for the pure pleasure of it.  In ways that I couldn't begin to imagine, these dalliances find their way into my professional body of work too.  My life and my work is richer for the experience.

How do you create?  Are you a purist whose love lies in one particular media?  Or is your art affair  one that's painted with a broader brush?  We'd love to hear more about it in the comments section below.

One of my early creations.  This painted mailbox hangs over my desk, and it's home to my envelopes and stamps.
The smile pin is a nod to my Dad, and the God Hates Hate pin is an original creation by folk artist, C.M. Laster.

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While our ReMe Retreat on Ocracoke in May is filled to capacity; a few spaces remain in October.  Reserve yours by clicking on the Paypal Link on the left side of this page.  Convenient payment plans are available.