Saturday, March 3, 2012

31/31: Robyn Gordon


31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
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Since commandeering my mom's unused chisels way back in childhood, it seems that I have been carving forever.


A hobby that was once used to fight boredom on lamplit evenings on the farm has now become a form of meditation.



There is nothing better than spending the first few hours of every day carving in the courtyard with a troop of wild monkeys for company.


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I have never met Robyn and, given the fact that she lives in South Africa and I live in New York, chances are we will not meet. But I enjoy all the time that I spend with her. And what I mean by that are my frequent visits to her blog. I admire the world that Robyn has carved out (pun intended) and created at Art Propelled. In fact, in my Your Blog, Your Way series at Create Mixed Media, Robyn's blog was the only one that I directly referred to by name.

She continues to write in-depth posts based on themes that highlight the work and words of other artists. Robyn seemingly has an endless well of creative ideas and the themes keep coming and coming and coming. She also showcases her own work -- mesmerizing wood carvings that are unique and speak to art, culture, history, and creativity. And she also allows me to see her country, so distant from mine, through an artist's eye. Art propelled indeed!
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GIVEAWAY

NOW CLOSED

95 comments:

liberal sprinkles said...

how interesting to see the African influences in Robyn's work. Her profiles of other artists on her blog are also fascinating!

Darlene K Campbell said...

Your work is amazing. Say hi to the monkeys for me. Congrats on being chosen to be in Seth's book. Amazing!

Artsnark said...

fun work & post! Thanks for sharing

Robert said...

I love Robyn's idea of the creation of art as a kind of meditation. I can't say that I always "get there," myself, while working, but love it when the natural rhythms of what I am doing, the loss of a sense of time, and the intuitive nature of the creative process take hold, and I find myself in a place that cannot be accessed by any other means. Robyn's work is amazing in its use of texture, repetition, and her ability to depict the essence of a subject by presenting it in it's simplest form. Truly delightful!

Lynn Cohen said...

Robyn's art makes me drool. Makes me smile. Makes me want to know her. Makes me want to sit at her feet and watch her work. Makes me want to touch it. Wow.
I think I have seen it before now.
I will definitely follow her blog now.
Seth do you half realize how many of us you bring together even if we never ever meet in person?
Every day I continue to be awed by the strings that connect us all everywhere.

Marta Brysha said...

Love your work Seth, particularly "An Object Found", just beautiful!

silkandcolour.blogspot.com

Ro Bruhn said...

I love Robyn's work and feel I know her too with our regular blog visits. Her carvings are magic. A friend of mine actually owns one and they are even more beautiful in real life.

Mo Crow said...

Art Propelled is one of my favourite places to visit in the cyber sea, Robyn always unearths such interesting artwork and diverse themes. I have only just discovered The Altered Page, your new book looks like a beauty Seth!

Rini Ronckers said...

Hello Seth,
I found your blog through Robins blog.
A whole new world of inspiration opend for me.
Now i would like to spent hours on my computer and read your blog but there's work to do.
I'll going to be a regular visitor to your blog

Rini Ronckers.
rinironckers@gmail.com

Barry said...

Robyn is such an inspiration to so many of us mere mortals - not only does she carve creatively and quirkily; but she also puts together the most inspiring aggregated posts for the time poor. We are fortunate to have a niche of R's in the entry of our home. I love art challenges that bring such talent into the spot light. Thanks. B

Laura Tringali Holmes said...

Enjoying your 31 Days series to the hilt, Seth!

Karen Isaacson said...

oh my! I could spend the rest of the day on robyn's site - lost in her beautiful work and the work of the artists she features. plus she collects images of goats on bikes. I'm in love.

lyle baxter said...

I'm so glad you included Robyn in your book. Her work makes me drool! She loves her homeland and gives us all a wonderful glimpse of life there good and bad! thank you.

india flint said...

i love Robyn's work. and i'm sure that will be a splendid book

Judy Shreve said...

Seth - congrats on your book! Love this series and thanks for all you do for the artist community!

Robyn's work is stunning! And her blog is one of my favorites - she's introduced me to so many fabulous artists. Wish she didn't live so far away.

CERULEAN said...

Hi Seth, my compliments for the way you are bringing together all these beautiful artist in this project!
And who doesn't know the inspiring blog of Robyn?

Unknown said...

I again am surprised originality of artists!
Has ordered to the sister from America a gift - your book:)

Denise said...

I am a regular visitor to Robyn's blog - love her work and her unique vision. congratulations for being a part of Seth's book. ~Denise

Patricia Wolf said...

I'm blown away by Robyn's beautiful work. I have a feeling I'm going to be on her site for way too long today...thank goodness it's Saturday!

Rebeca Trevino said...

i came across robyn's blog a couple of years ago, i think it was through the Altered Page that i found Art Propelled!!

her work is terrific, and in choosing her to be part of your new book, you did good!

deborah from collagewhirl said...

Both you and Robyn are amazing. I came over to this post from ArtPropelled where I just read about your day. Now I'm inspired to head into my own studio.

Thanks for all you do for artists, Seth!

theresa martin said...

I love Robyn's blog and her work and it's great that you two posted on the same day mentioning each other. Thanks for all you both do.

Ruth Armitage said...

I am a huge fan of Robyn's blog! Looking forward to seeing her contribution to the book!

The Artist Within Us said...

I wish you Seth all the success that comes with the release of this book. Also Robyn's work has always fascinated me, connected so to the African roots and be so very personal at the same time.

Egmont

Storyheart said...

I look forward to Robyn's posts and have spent many pleasurable hours reading her blog. Wonderful to see her profiled here.

Unknown said...

I am enjoying these posts so much & relishing the thought that there is the rest of March for which to look forward.
So far Robyn's "visit" with you on her blog has been my favorite!
Thanks so much for bringing this talented and diverse art community into so many of our lives.

Jann Gougeon said...

I always delight when I can "visit the creator behind the creations. Looking forward to that with your book. I will "ditto" all the other commentors .. inspiration and blog role models .. are words that come to mind with you both.

Maureen said...

What fascinating carvings! Another stellar introduction, Seth.

Karen Cole said...

Love her blog, sharing the work of others and curating it so that it looks wonderful each time is a real gift.

Robyn's work is extraordinary. Her totems and carvings have such amazing details, yet have such a quiet and beautiful simplicity.

rivergardenstudio said...

Thank you Seth, this is another thoughtful and enticing post about the extraordinary Robyn. I am so touched at how you have connected us all together.
roxanne

Unknown said...

Robyn was a great choice for your book. I really love and connect with her work.

Jill Zaheer said...

This is really great- you've written such a great post about Robyn and her art and she's written such a great post about you. Now talk about great synchronicity- this one is a winner. Learned about Robyn through you- so another gift received in the art world. Look forward to seeing her creations in your book Seth!

Unknown said...

Day 3. I am a changed woman. Before the coffee, before the bed is made, before reason sets in, I zoom to the 'machine' [computer] like a bullet to see what is going on here. This is going to be a delicious habit I can tell. *smiles* Norma
p.s. and the best day to you everyone!!

Bill said...

Awesome work! Makes me want to run out and buy a chisel.

Anonymous said...

i'm late! just a little bit late...
i came over from
art propelled...robyn's place.
the book looks interesting.
your blog is now in my reader
so i can keep an eye on you.

♥ davis

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

robyn's work...beautiful, stunning and cool and more! loved perusing her blog...so many different avenues and creativeness...again and again...THANK YOU SETH!

mansuetude said...

Robyn's the best! Fascinating to look at her symbolic language, doors and totems opening inner doors, magic mystery .

.

i spy a monkey. :)
.
Enjoy this adventure, blessings.

Leanne E said...

Wow! You both do amazing work! Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

i love robyn's art -- her carvings are so full of life, secrets and intricate stories. i also love all of the other amazing art she shares as well. if it were not for you, seth, i may not have stumbled on her a few years ago. thank you!!

Poetic Artist said...

Robyn's work is always amazing. Also she has the ability to find some of the most amazing artist..
Yes and that includes you to Seth.
Katelen

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Seth, congratulations to you on the publication of your book! I am looking forward to seeing it in person very soon!

Now if we can just get Robyn to do a book based on her own work and the way she organizes work into categories such as "caged art". She lets all learn so much about amazing artists around the world.

Thank you both. Love Robyn's self portrait!

Parabolic Muse said...

Okay, well, this floors me. I mean: I'm on the floor about this. And by that I mean, Robyn's work exhilarates me! You know I love the geometric forms, and the faces are iconic. I'm off to become more familiar with her work through her blog. Thank you for bringing her to my attention.

I guess I should sit in the chair, now.

Anonymous said...

Robyn's blog just takes my braeth away, and I can feel the stress drift away as I look at her photos, quotes, poems and lovely commentary on the world around her.

Lisa H said...

Robyn is truly one-of-a-kind, her art AND her Blog. I LOVE the concept of wood carving as a morning ritual. Thanks for highlighting yet ANOTHER unique individual.

Carol said...

I'm thrilled to find that Robyn will be in your book. I've followed her for ages and love and admire her work. Thanks again, Seth. You have such an eye for good artists.

Numinosity said...

What a great choice to include Robyn in your book. Her blog features of other artists as well as her own are exemplary.

Sue McB said...

Have followed Robyn's blog for a while, I love her work and the images of others that she posts - there is something about her carving, and the colours from nature that appear with regularity that appeal. Now I have found your blog too.....I would love to know more about mixed media, I'm a stitcher of things, and now a photographer. To win a copy of your book would be wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Incredible!! I can see why you like her work!! Another great artist to check out!!

Kim Henkel Creations said...

Oh my another artist that I love... her creations are so beautiful and her blog is always inspiring!

Penny said...

I have a small piece of Robyns' work and I treasure it, so thank you for highlighting her work, and thank you to her for giving me a little glimple of you as well.

deb said...

I am really enjoying these glimpses - what a fab month it will be - especially when THE BOOK finally arrives at my door!!

Carol said...

I have loved her blog and am amazed at her work. And I enjoy the other artists she writes about. Always interesting.

druga szesnaście said...

"art as meditation" - this is so close to my heart.
thank you so much for providing me with yet another wonderful inspiration and some more food for thought.

Barbara I. said...

Thanks for introducing me to Robyn's work. Thanks for the 31/31 blog posts. I am enjoying them!

layers said...

Robyn does produce a most wonderful blog and I have been a follower of hers -- and yours since I began my own blog..and it really does seem as if distance does not matter when it comes to finding similar aesthetics and wonderful artists to become email friends with.

eb said...

I am so excited to see the book Seth - loved reading your interview at Art Propelled - Robyn's is one of my favorite go-to blogs - always inspiring...

xox - eb.

Shayla said...

Robyn has been one of my favourite contemporary artists for a long time and reading her blog is always a creative indulgence.

Kathy McCreedy said...

Hi Seth!
Great project, thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your new book... I'd appreciate it very much if you'd draw my name, ok?!? :D
I enjoyed visiting Robyn Gordon's blog... I even learned a few things about you I didn't know and saw some great photos I hadn't seen!!! :D
Love what you are doing, thanks so much for all your efforts!
Kathy

Kathy McCreedy said...

Hi Seth!
Great project, thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your new book... I'd appreciate it very much if you'd draw my name, ok?!? :D
I enjoyed visiting Robyn Gordon's blog... I even learned a few things about you I didn't know and saw some great photos I hadn't seen!!! :D
Love what you are doing, thanks so much for all your efforts!
Kathy

rossichka said...

"Art Propelled" is one of my favourite blogs! Every post as if opens a door or a window to worlds unseen or not quite familiar! With her intelligence and sense for beauty Robyn lights sparks in us and I'm sure she influences artists all over the world! It was so interesting to learn something more about the way she creates her art!
Dear Seth, I'm very much impressed by your book that is obviously written with love and passion! Good luck!

Annie said...

I first met Robyn here in blogland a few months ago and I love her work and her blog. Now that I have found you I will visit again. Please add me into the draw for the book.

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Robin Gordon's work is so peaceful! i love it! her "sculpted "patchworks are so inspiring to me.

Julie Shackson said...

Aaah, beautifully detailed assemblages; makes me want to dash out and buy some chisels!

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful to meet Robyn through your post. A lovely addition to your book!

Velma Bolyard said...

robyn always brings a fresh breeze with her work, her aesthetic.

Velma Bolyard said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emma said...

Isn't she great? I've long enjoyed her blog, her sense of humour & her bringing together facinating groups of so many artists. Thanks for featuring her!

Julia said...

Robyn's work is great! She is a new artist to me. I am going to go look around her blog and get more aquainted with her.

maggie crawford said...

I am really enjoying these daily postings what a wonderful way to discover new artists Robyn's work is so inspiring.

Kate Burroughs said...

Interesting chisel work. TFS and a chance to win your book.
Aloha, Kate

elle said...

How cool that art knows no boundaries!

Sharmon Davidson said...

Robyn is a truly unique creative spirit, and I'm so happy to know her through the blogging community. I can't wait to see her contribution to the book!

La Poeta said...

Every time I get to my Mac to check my favorite blogs, Robin's is the first one I click on.

mankybones said...

I'm embarrassed to say, but when I first saw Robyn's work, I thought it was polymer clay. Du'h. No, silly, it's beautiful, smooth wood carvings.

Kathryn Dyche said...

I always enjoy my visits to Robyn's blog and I love her work too. She's an incredible artist and I love how she features the work of other artists too.

Laura said...

love her work and the way she starts her day.beautiful

SooZeQue said...

Oh to be in her head for just a few minutes - so much creativity that I would come out of it exhausted but satiated! Robyn's work is truly an inspiration and a canvas you can never tire of looking at.

Lisa said...

Thank you for a wonderful feature on Robyn.. her work has been a top favorite of mine since I first visited her blog. Her unique carvings are songs of Africa that represent a world of art and culture that I find intriguing and fascinating!
I equally enjoyed her enlightening profile of you on her blog! The 31 artists in 31 days is such a brilliant idea..many thanks for sharing!

Missouri Bend Paper Works said...

Seth, what a great thing you are doing here! And Robyn....isn't she just a gem?! So many people all over the world look to her for inspiration, guidance and a daily lift from her work and her blog! She's a wonder...great to see her here! Keep up your great work as well! Thanks so much for sharing your energy with the world!

Kathleen said...

These are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

How I would love to be able to run my fingers over one of Robyn's delicious creations.

sukipoet said...

Robyns work is just so invigorating and i too love her blog introducing us to artists and art that catches her eye.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I learned more about you from Robyn than I ever knew before. I had no idea you were a psychologist. It makes sense, since you bring us all together and "force us" to open up (grin).

I hope you are NOT trying to send thoughtful e-mail replies to me, because my e-mail has not worked for about two months. What can I say? I sort of like being unplugged from it!

Dianne said...

love Robyn's African inspired carvings!

mairedodd said...

i have a deep admiration for robyn - her work, her vision, her person... the blog she so meaningfully maintains is a constant source of inspiration for me - it is one of the ones i feel i would be less for had i not come upon it...
it was nice to read about you as well - seems we are nearly neighbors as i live in nj... looking forward to reading more...

Wendy said...

I love all the nooks and crannies here. How fun to work in compartments, in a new version of shadow box or Joseph Cornell.

Anonymous said...

The detail in Robyn's work is wonderful! I can't imagine having monkeys for company :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chance to win a book! I follow Robyn's blog and have for years. Her work is so interesting!

Jo Murray said...

I follow Robyn's blog. She so deserves to be included!

susan in seattle said...

I need a courtyard with a troop of wild monkeys for making art too! What an image!

Kim Goodwin said...

I wanna be her when I grow up !!!! Her work is awesome - love it
Thank you for sharing we all need meditation thank you for introducing new art forms and not calling it crazy .

Carol said...

Seth, I'm very delighted to see Robyn here in your book. One of my all time favorite artists.

charlotte said...

Love the unique style of her art! Beautiful!!!!

Jill said...

I love Robin's blog posts because she always introduces some amazing artists that I hadn't known about previously.

Hope Amen said...

This is my first exposure to Robin's work....love it!