Renée LoBue’s mixed media piece, “Canyon Hero,” is a vibrant amalgamation of books, paper, fabric, vintage mica wallpaper, tape, and sequins. Dominated by the colors red, white, and blue, this piece evokes the rugged spirit of life on the prairie and the ethos of American pioneers. Central to the composition is a pie mold, symbolizing the essence of femininity that helped shape early America. The use of vintage mica wallpaper and sequins adds a nostalgic and shimmering quality, contrasting the raw textures of books and fabric. “Canyon Hero” explores themes of masculinity and heroism, drawing on the imagery and symbolism of the frontier. This work pays homage to the resilience and adventurous spirit of pioneers, blending historical references with a modern artistic sensibility.

Canyon Hero

This untitled fantasy self-portrait by Renée LoBue features the artist adorned in a intricately knitted neck top with long, flowing braids cascading down her shoulders. By deliberately obscuring her face, LoBue invites viewers to focus on the timeless and universal aspects of feminine identity. The detailed knitwear symbolizes the intricate, often unseen, craftsmanship and strength woven into the fabric of women’s lives, while the braids evoke a sense of continuity and connection to ancestral traditions. This piece speaks to the resilience and enduring spirit of women, celebrating their roles as both creators and connectors within the tapestry of human experience. Through this evocative portrayal, LoBue explores themes of anonymity, tradition, and the silent power embedded in femininity.

Untitled | Red Braids 

Revenge of Comic Sans

  
  
Flowers of America (FOA) return with a laid-back Earth Day treat: The effortlessly captivating single "Mother Earth," recorded in one take.

  
Renée LoBue, the voice behind the mask of FOA, has been quietly shaping her creative landscape. Following FOA's 2020 debut "Videorama" and 2021's EP "The Twin Set," her primary band, Elk City, has been making waves with two critically acclaimed albums: "Above the Water" in 2022 and "Undertow" in 2023, earning praise from Toronto's Spill Magazine as one of the year’s best LPs.

  
Beyond making music, LoBue co-founded the Magic Door record label alongside bandmate Ray Ketchem and Guided By Voices drummer Kevin March. She also continued making visual art, including a noteworthy reinterpretation of Keith Haring’s renowned 1980s mural that once graced the Houston-Bowery wall in NYC.

  
Collaborating once again with psych-rock enigma Brother JT (Thrill Jockey Records) to make the video for "Mother Earth", LoBue also joined forces with creative photographer Beth Chucker, who shot the single's cover photo and contributed stills to Brother JT's video.

  
"Mother Earth" captures LoBue's raw creativity, recorded on a whim at her art desk. It's a chilled-out vibe that draws you back into FOA's world in the coolest way possible. Welcome to a new chapter.

“Mother Earth” song + video 

In my self-portrait "Antique Thought," I blend the old with the new to create a striking juxtaposition of eras, infused with elements of female empowerment. The piece features an opaque face, rendered with modern photography techniques, yet shrouded in the delicate intricacies of antique lace. This interplay of sharp, contemporary imagery and the soft, timeless texture of lace evokes a sense of mystery and introspection, while also symbolizing the strength and resilience of women through the ages. The opaque face serves as a metaphor for identity obscured, suggesting layers of history and personal narrative concealed beneath the surface. The antique lace, with its rich detail and historical connotations, contrasts with the modernity of the photographic medium, creating a dialogue between past and present. "Antique Thought" celebrates the enduring influence of women's contributions to art and society, inviting viewers to explore the intersections of time, identity, and artistic expression. Through this piece, I aim to reveal how the echoes of the past continually shape our present selves and highlight the empowered journey of women across generations.

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Renée LoBue