Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Roberts.
Hi Robin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was always an ‘artsy’ kid. I loved taking art classes on Saturdays from a local professional artist. Eventually I was given my own ‘art studio’ at home (the extra bedroom) because my parents were tired of my art supplies being all over the house! I drew and painted, threw pottery on a tiny wheel, built sea shell creatures, painted Christmas ornaments, decoupage’d images and built miniature houses (out of shutter slats) for my small toy creatures. I continued to take art classes in high school, although I had a terrible teacher. He constantly told people that they were ‘no good’ and would sometimes draw on the original artwork with a pen. I may have cried alot! I had architecture classes in high school, but also an awful teacher. Writing this, I’m surprised I didn’t go into accounting! I decided to pursue architecture in college at Louisiana State University. Luckily, I did have some great professors there! I found the architecture education to be very creative. However, working as an architect was not. After a couple of years in the profession, I took a leave of absence to attend a wonderful “architecture and theatre” program at the Ecole des beaux arts in Fontainebleu, France. This was a life changing experience and convinced me to pursue theatrical scenic design. I applied and was accepted to U.C. S. D. and that is how I found my way to San Diego. I received my MFA in Theatrical Scenic and Costume Design and designed scenery for theatres in San Diego and around the country, including one show on Broadway. In 2002, I began teaching in the theatre department at University of San Diego, while I continued to design scenery. About 12 years ago, I found my way back to my original love of creating fine art, thanks to my dear friend Sonya Devine. Recently, I have transitioned to part time teaching in order to carve out more time for art. I have a studio practice in San Diego at ART on 30th, in North Park.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has had a lot of twists and turns, but I have been very lucky to have continuous creative endeavors to keep me challenged. I would say that my biggest struggle is time. Creativity does not run on a schedule and finding enough time to accomplish all of the ideas is a challenge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a mixed media artist, I am constantly exploring new ways to tell visual stories. My work blends acrylic paint, vintage ephemera, and other found materials to create compositions that are sometimes whimsical, occasionally political, but always deeply personal. I love to start with a collage, allowing the layers of paper and imagery to spark new directions for the piece. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with continuous blind contour drawing, which adds an organic and spontaneous energy to my work.
Another technique that excites me is mono printing on a Gelli plate. The unpredictability of the process and the unique textures it creates provide an ideal foundation for the layering of drawings and papers on wood panels, giving each piece a rich, multidimensional quality.
In addition to creating, I’m passionate about sharing my love for mixed media with others. I teach classes in Mixed Media Art and Gelli Printing at Art on 30th and the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, where I encourage students to embrace their creativity and explore the endless possibilities of artistic techniques.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a two-week artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France. Immersing myself in a supportive environment dedicated solely to art was nothing short of life-changing. During my residency, I merged collage, botanical printmaking, and blind contour drawing into complete compositions. The experience not only deepened my artistic practice but also provided a wealth of inspiration that will influence my work for years to come.
Creating art is a journey of discovery, and I am excited to continue exploring new materials, techniques, and ideas. For me, each piece is an evolving story, and I look forward to sharing more of these stories with the world.
What makes you happy?
I am happiest when I am involved in creative endeavors. This includes theatrical design and art, but also cooking. I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and cooking helps me to embrace my southern heritage and connect to memories of sitting on the kitchen counter while my mom cooked. My husband and I enjoy cooking together in our dream kitchen, inspired and made possible by my mother, Kathleen!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinsanfordroberts.com
- Instagram: @mizrobin https://www.instagram.com/mizrobin/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robinsanfordrobertsart/
