My Story As a prairie girl with a passion for linocut printmaking, I have inherited a deep respect for tradition, family, integrity and hard work from my pioneering ancestors. The illustrations, designs and surface patterns I create with my prints are a labour of love that begin with hand-carved linocuts I create in my studio. “White River Studio” is the brand for my company which I run from my cozy, home workspace in Calgary, Alberta. When I graduated from art school with a BFA in Visual Communications, I began my career as a graphic designer. After I started a family, I stepped away from advertising agency life to begin working from home as a freelance graphic designer. Balancing my work and family life is important to me. Somehow I found time between work and family to teach art classes. Teaching art returned me to my fine art roots and I realized the hands-on approach to making art was something I still yearned for. Working with linocuts refueled my creative spirit and I knew I had to find a way to incorporate printmaking into my creative business. Three years ago, I decided to transition from graphic design to printmaking and illustration. The process has been full of learning, inspiration and digging in to discover my signature style. I continue to refine my skills and set new goals to grow my business. Licensing my artwork for home decor, stationery and apparel is the next step to sharing my artwork with customers who are searching for unique products made with old world craftsmanship and character.
My Artwork My work has been described as “moonlit,” “moody” and “nostalgic.” I enjoy telling stories with my art using references from literature, history, and nature. Pulling characters from the pages of books, researching history and exploring the wonders of the natural world provides a rich source of inspiration. Visiting local vintage and antique shops is one of my favourite pastimes. Vintage items have stood the test of time in a world filled with mass-produced, disposable products. They come from an era when things were built to last. My goal is to infuse this integrity and long-lasting charm into my artwork. I created my “Alberta Memories” surface pattern collection to commemorate the rich history of Alberta and life on the prairies. The collection features symbols of Alberta including the wild rose, grain elevators, horses, cows, wheat and mountains. Printing my artwork on souvenir stationery and apparel would allow me share my love for living in Alberta. Like a favourite pair of cozy knit socks, my wish is that people will feel the warmth of my artwork and know it has been created with craftsmanship and integrity.
DESIGNED BY RENÉE WHITE • WHITE RIVER STUDIO
MEMORIES No memory is ever alone; it's at the end of a trail of memories, a dozen trails that each have their own associations. - Louis L'Amour
Alberta Memories is a pattern collection celebrating the history, landscape and symbols of my favourite prairie province. Inspired by vintage souvenir pennants, cowboy posters, and photos, this collection features my prints, drawings, and an old-fashioned colour palette. Now that the pandemic restrictions have been lifted allowing us to travel again, I have created a series of products to be sold as souvenirs of Alberta. The vintage quality of my artwork captures the charm and warm hospitality of our province.
DESIGNED BY RENÉE WHITE • WHITE RIVER STUDIO
ALBERTA ELEVATORS
ILLUSTRATIONS
Digital download of 30 vector spot illustrations. JPEG, Illustrator EPS and PNG files. (Price to license will be calculated on usage.)
ALBERTA ELEVATORS
ALBERTA ELEVATORS
DESIGNED BY RENÉE WHITE • WHITE RIVER STUDIO
DESIGNED BY RENÉE WHITE • WHITE RIVER STUDIO
The “Alberta Memories” pattern collection is available for licensing and branding partnerships. I would love to connect with you to discuss collaborating on a project. Please feel free to contact me by email at reneewhiteriver@shaw.ca or call 403.875.7740.
whiteriverdesignstudio.com Illustrations and patterns are handmade in Calgary, Alberta, Canada // White River Studio © 2022 Renée White // All Rights Reserved