‘go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is’ – will rogers

The wisdom of Will Rogers speaks to Renata and her pursuit of paths less often walked. From an early age Renata understood the importance of being able to accessorize a look with hats and jewellery and has never looked back. She studied fashion design in 1984 and in 1988 moved to London seeking fame and fortune as a milliner. Renata worked at the designer hat department at Harrods and then opened her own retail unit in London’s avant garde ‘Hyper Hyper’ where many well known designers got their start.

In 1990, after receiving a contract with a Miami hat manufacturer designing their ladies hat line she returned to Vancouver and continued working as a milliner, teaching, designing and eventually opening a retail hat store which she co-owned and ran for 5 years.

In 2002 Renata began self directed studies working with glass and metal. Creating a harmonious balance between these two mediums is the focus of her work. ‘I am inspired by the balance of nature, the flower is incomplete without the stem, as is the plant without the root; all need one another to be complete.’

Renata's dream of living in the country came true in 2009 when she, and her husband Dino moved to an acreage in the Kootenay's spectacular Slocan Valley. She continues to create new works in glass and fibre with a great view of the horses, goats and chickens from her glass and fibre studio.  For updates on her adventures check out The Red Snowshoe.

Awards
2007 BC Creative Achievement Award
2008 Pilchuck Scholarship

Publications
Metalsmith Magazine