Meet Renee Walkup of Denver Metro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Walkup

Renee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an artist began as a child, watching my gifted father paint in oils, work in stained glass, and build practically anything. Throughout life, I dabbled in jewelry making, fiber arts, water colors, photography, and more. With a desire to learn mosaic art, eventually the art found ME. Moving to Colorado in 2016, my inspiration is our stunning multicolored skies, ever-changing mountain views, our unique landscapes, blooming flowers, and in short, beauty all around. Learning contemporary mosaic art from the top mosaic artists around the world, I have embraced my newfound profession as a mosaicist. I create art from mostly repurposed and found objects–everything from functional charcuterie trays to wall hangings, and decorative, 3D mosaic art. The sky is the limit when it comes to inspiration in my studio! In 2022, I began teaching mosaic art classes and find joy in utilizing my former corporate speaking skills, to introduce mosaics to Coloradoans. Currently, I have received many awards for innovation in my work, continue to teach adults and children mosaic art, and take classes from the best. As a full-time artist, this profession fills my inspiration, creativity, and desire to bring happiness and indescribable joy to others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am constantly learning and growing my business by expanding my reach as an artist. Since I had a successful consulting business before, there have been many transferable skills–proving to be beneficial. However, running an art business is certainly different. Art is personal to people. Most art doesn’t solve problems, but collectors make purchases based on emotion and desire. For those reasons, selling art to buyers is a different experience than solving a business issue a client may have. The great news is that each year, my business grows and I’m constantly switching up how I market, sell, and spend my time. I love what I do!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I’m not afraid to take chances in my work. A traditionalist may find that my use of “just about anything in mosaic art” including rubber, wood blocks, hoop earrings, glass beads, walnut shells, and even dried mushrooms, is not classic mosaic work. And that’s true! My craft is considered Contemporary Mosaic Art, and my work reflects my imagination in using materials that are interesting to me. Seeing discarded and items unintentionally used for something else, then repurposing them, is a fascinating way to create sustainable art. Meanwhile, I feel good about keeping items out of landfills and making something fascinating to enjoy.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wow, I started this journey as an artist in an unexpected way and initially, without a plan of creating a career out of assembling materials into mosaics. As for support, I’m happy to say that mosaic art mentors have encouraged my progress. In addition, my family and friends have helped to gen up my confidence as I’ve grown as an artist. Of course, meeting new buyers and art collectors on a regular basis is how I continue to get support, too. Customers love to see surprises in art and they encourage me to continue my trajectory forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reneesmusicalmosaics.com
• Instagram: @reneesmusicalmosaics
• Facebook: reneesmusicalmosaics
• LinkedIn: Renee Walkup

Image Credits
Rachel Walkup