Robin Raznick is a versatile artist who works in oil, acrylics, mixed materials, and clay. She explores the colors, and textures of the natural world, translating them into thickly impasto’ed paintings and ornate ceramic vessels. Raznick’s paintings are influenced by Impressionist and Expressionists artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Joan Mitchell, Anselm Kiefer, Allision Schulnik, as well as contemporary painter/ sculptors Jennifer Bartlett, David Hockney, and Andrew Goldsworthy. Raznick’s unique style is articulated in the undulating surfaces, dynamic mark-making, unabashed use of color, and distinctive materials selections.

In an exclusive conversation with the artist Robin Raznick, whose art speaks for itself. All the earthy materials incorporated with paints and mixed materials make a beautiful, thick canvas of in -depth Art. Raznick has been an artist since her childhood and takes inspiration from her father. In this interview Robin shares how she started her journey from being an Art specialist in Art camps to being full time artist and educator now, her inspiration for using natural elements and much more.

1. Robin, I love the feel of texture in your work. How did you embark on this journey as an artist and an educator?

Well, art-making is woven into my DNA, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a maker. I come from a family of creatives, painters, writers, and interior designers; these professions are highly valued in my circle. My Dad was a visual artist and had a small studio off our garage. I have very early, fond memories of being in there with him. He never practiced professionally but was quite brilliant. As a teen and in my early 20’s I worked with kids in camps as the art specialist. I loved it so it was sort of an organic pathway for me.

I use soil, rock, and root in my work as it’s literally the grounding and foundation that we share and unites all living things.

2.  I love how all your paintings have earth materials incorporated into the Art. What made you choose this particular style of medium for your work?

You know this idea of choice is an interesting one. In some ways, of course, I’m making decisions, editing, and contemplating, but when I’m executing if I have an idea about materials, I’m a grab-and-go gal. I guess I like the immediacy and unknown possibilities of using nontraditional material to communicate. The use of natural elements just seemed so right at some point. I do dig in the garden, have studied soil health relative to clean air and food growth, and I am fascinated with a natural environment. So, marrying the organic material with the processed goods brings the escape directly into the studio.

3. How would you say your artistic style has developed and changed over the years? 

The work is much more direct and less self-conscience. That just comes with time. I’m still interested in many of the same things I was interested in during my art school days. But, I’m far more willing to take risks and delve deep. Stylistically this lends itself to a looser more energetic approach.

4. I just love the depth in every painting. It feels like they are speaking to us. Robin, who is your biggest source of inspiration?

Wow… a big list. I’d say Mother Nature is my biggest influence, resource, and confidant. I’m a big Anselm Kiefer and Allison Schulnik fan, but I look at EVERYTHING, including my students.

Using these elements in congress with oil paint and manufactured goods, as opposed to just “painting” the soil for example, marries these concepts and invokes a visceral experience in the studio.

5.  Your artwork ‘Prairie Hope’ is wonderful. The spider web particularly caught my attention in the flower garden. Would you share a bit about this artwork and what are your intentions behind it?

Interesting choice… this work is inspired by My cousins who were high-power lawyers in LA, and left to pursue a different lifestyle in Tennessee. They bought quite a bit of property and have been on a mission to restore the pasturelands to their original, native pollinator fields. It’s been an amazing ongoing project and the fields of flowers and creatures just absolutely filled me with emotion. They’ve started an important movement in the area that’s caught on like wildfire. There are more of those paintings to come!

6.  What advice would you give to artists who are trying to break into the world of public art?

Keep a regular studio practice and don’t allow naysayers or critical voices to dissuade you. Understand going in this is a tough business so get over yourself and move forward quickly from disappointments as there are MANY. Be honest, and generous, and behave with humility and integrity.

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