Renée Gertler’s work spans drawings and sculptures that explore the paradoxical space between mysticism and science. Her sculptures navigate metaphysical, psychological, and emotional landscapes, often referencing the feminine through abstract forms crafted from papier-mâché, minerals, crystals, beadwork, and textile techniques passed down from her mother.

Gertler’s drawings, meanwhile, delve into concepts, memories, and the dynamic between logic and intuition. Using colored pencils, number patterns, and architectural drawing techniques developed during her studies, Gertler creates compositions that are both precise and emotionally evocative. The optimistic pastel and technicolor palette she employs—reminiscent of 1990s cultural aesthetics—adds a nostalgic vibrancy to her work.

Renée Gertler (Berkeley, CA) has received numerous accolades, including a Danish Arts Council Grant, and has participated in artist residencies at prestigious institutions such as the John Michael Kohler Arts/Industry Program, Spaces in Cleveland, the Vermont Studio Center, the Pilchuck School of Glass Emerging Artists Fellowship, The MacDowell Colony, and Kala Art Institute. Gertler holds both a BFA and MFA in Sculpture from the California College of the Arts, and studied landscape architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

The artist invites SEE(d) Creative Network to tour her exquisitely detailed West Oakland art studio on Saturday, March 8th from 4-6 PM. Boutique wines and cheeses will accompany the visit. Purchase your tickets here. All ticket proceeds support the artist.