The February Art Wall will feature Gillian Renault’s “Cover to Cover” with an opening reception on Sunday, February 3 from 12 to 1:30 pm in Forbes Hall, immediately after services.
“Cover to Cover” chronicles the story of Renault father’s life— the highs and lows, as she describes it. The pieces are designed to encourage people to contemplate the strengths and flaws of the lives of their parents and elders, and how their lives were shaped by them. All to better understand how people can carry their elders in their psyches forever.
“I want the work to inspire people to contemplate their own relationships with parents or elders whom they [may] have lost through death or for other reasons,” Renault said. “That’s why I show it. I hope people leave the show changed, even if just a little.”
Renault’s work was featured in Atlanta, Georgia by UU’s First Existentialist congregation, at Mercer University, and at Richards Gallery at Georgia Tech University. Another similar work featuring her maternal relationship first premiered in Atlanta in 2002. These works are not for sale, as letting go of any of this art would be like cutting a chapter out of a novel or cutting years out of the artist’s own life.
Born on the island of Jersey in the English Channel, Renault is a self-taught artist who has lived in the United States since the 1970s. In 2012, with 25 years of media experience, she pivoted professionally and completed a 2-year chaplaincy program at the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe. She then was ordained as a Buddhist lay minister and is now a hospice chaplain.
To view this month’s installment after the February 3 reception, contact Nancy Thompson at assistant@uusm.org or dial 310-829-5436 x102. Accessible parking is available behind the church. Contact the art director for inquiries on art wall availability.
