Devastating Loves & Transcendent Hatreds : Renee Switkes : Ameliorate

After leaving a toxic relationship, I painted this piece as a way to cope and find inner peace. Healing and grieving take time, and during that period, I kept my distance from others to protect my heart. The heart in the painting is locked in a cage to symbolize the need for safety and protection, but birdcages represent freedom as well. To overcome the pain and achieve freedom, I had to forgive the person who caused it, allowing happiness and joy to return to my life. The heart is painted yellow, representing joy, and pumping out the purple darkness of grief. The purple hyacinth symbolizes sorrow and forgiveness, while the lily of the valley signifies rebirth and happiness. Finally, the white butterfly represents peace, transformation, and hope, as well as departed loved ones. I have since found peace and embraced a new life of freedom and joy.

Renée Switkes, a native of Silicon Valley, finds her inspiration in nature and her backyard art studio. After earning her degree from San Jose State University, Renée began teaching the love of art to children of all ages. While raising her family, she continued to explore her own creativity, but it wasn't until 2021 that she began exhibiting her paintings. In just two years, her work has been displayed at a dozen galleries, including The Drawing Room, San Francisco Women Artists, and Voss Gallery. Renée has also received recognition for her work with two platinum and two bronze awards. Her paintings have been collected by private collectors across the globe, from France to India, and in various locations in the United States. Her recent acceptance into the state-wide competition and salon by the Triton Museum in Santa Clara is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.