Meet Robyn Gibson | Multidisciplinary Artist, Curator, Poet, Creator, Dreamer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robyn Gibson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robyn, what’s your definition for success?
I used to think of success as monetary gain, status, or recognition. The world will have you believe that’s what it’s all about. It’s like we’re programmed to believe that resources are so scarce that competing with those around you and hoarding what you can when you can is the only way you can get ahead. It’s all a lie. True success is having the mindset of abundance. When you believe there is not only more than enough to go around, but that you’re deserving of every good thing that comes your way, nothing can stop you from real success. Walking boldly in your purpose, having the courage to tell your story, being the best version of yourself, and helping others tap into their true potential is real success. When you understand that your unique gifts serve a purpose, and your neighbor’s unique gifts serve a different purpose that can never take away from yours, that is real success. When you level up and understand that combining your gifts with the gifts of others is powerful and life changing, that is real success. The mindset of lack will keep you confined to a life of competition and toil. The mindset of abundance will allow you to grow and build with those around you. In that growth you will see, know, and become your best self. That will then allow you to see the best in others. That will allow you to encourage others, rather than tear them down. Which will allow you to collaborate with others. In that collaboration you will see the success of others is your success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create art in many different ways, and I hope to expand and learn more creative techniques. At this time I create larger than life-size charcoal drawings on canvas, smaller, more intimate drawings on newsprint, ceramic vessels that incorporate drawing on their surfaces, sculpture, and performance. At the center of my work is healing.

I began boxing in 2016. That’s when life kind of shifted for me. I met a new me in that boxing class, and I didn’t realize it at the time, but she changed the game for me. I felt a confidence that I’d never felt before. I only ever saw her in class until I started drawing her. The next thing I knew I was drawing big bold female boxers that took up every inch of the 70″ x 60″ (or larger) canvases. It felt amazing. I felt powerful in a way I had never felt before. I was just telling my truth. The more I drew these figures the more I understood I was on a healing journey. There have been several times in my life when I felt like giving up. I felt like I wasn’t good enough. I felt like no one cared what I had to say. I felt like I didn’t have anything important to share. Then I saw that I was putting those feelings in my work as well. It was all coming together. Everything I was feeling, the confidence, the pain, the loss, the triumph, everything was finding its way into my work. I began to understand myself and to see that my art had to be made in order for me to process trauma, to communicate my emotions, and even store some excess emotions, which is why I began making vessels. So much was rising to the surface that I’d kept hidden and suppressed for so long that I was overflowing. The vessels became an extension of my physical body. Now I’m thinking through the ideas of brokenness and resilience, Fragility and strength.

It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I had to overcome a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. I had to face past trauma. I had to be honest with myself and take responsibility. I had to take criticism with an open mind, which is never easy on the ego. I’ve had to endure loss. Grief is weird. I went though some dark times of depression. I still deal with it from time to time. But I got through all of it. I’m still here. I have an amazing support system, and I’m very blessed. I learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was. I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to be. I’m learning that I am enough. I’m learning to pay attention to the journey of life rather than trying to rush to the destination. I don’t even really know what the destination is, so why am I in such a rush to get there? I’m learning how to be my best self and enjoy my life.

I want the world to know that I am who I am because of the One who created me. My faith got me through my darkest times. When I felt like I had no one, I knew I had God. I come from a Christian family and I know I’ve been covered by their payers and those of my ancestors. I’m grateful and very blessed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Brooklyn, NY. There’s so much to do and see in NYC, so no matter what we do it’s going to be an adventure, but here are some of my favorite things. Let’s kick things off with a nice beach day. I can do either Coney Island Beach or Far Rockaway Beach. They both have their charms. Coney Island is closer to me, and I have a friend who loves Nathan’s, so that’s a destination. Far Rockaway is a trek, but it’s a nice beach. There’s also a really nice taco spot near there called Tacoway Beach where you can get good food that won’t break the bank (because I be on a budget) and bomb margaritas.

Next we’re going to Chelsea. There are all kinds of galleries in Chelsea not to mention the highline. One of my favorite free things to do is walk the highline. From there we can walk around the Meat Packing District where ARTNOIR has a project called “The Meeting Point” underway. They’re bringing amazing artists and creators of color to the Meat Packing District. If we feel up to it we can also visit the Whitney.

We have to spend at least one day in lower Manhattan. Maybe we can take the ferry to Wall Street from the Brooklyn Army Terminal, where I have my studio with, Chashama, a lovely organization that rents studio spaces to artists on the low (because we be on a budget). From there we can walk through Battery Park, which is really nice and has a nice view of the Statue of Liberty. We can explore the Oculus and World Trade. We can grab food at a food truck or go to the Shake Shack that’s inside Fulton Center. From there we can either take the train to the Lower East side or continue walking (I like to get my steps in). There’s much art to see in the Lower East side but there is also Chinatown. Two of my favorite restaurants are Vanessa’s Dumplings and Wok Wok. We can do either or both. There’s also shopping or window shopping in SOHO (because we be on a budget). We can grab cronuts and other wonderful desserts at Dominique Ansel Bakery and eat them in Washington Square Park.

The next day we can head over to Prospect Park where we can have a nice relaxing brunch on the lawn. From there we can head over to the Brooklyn Museum, if we feel so inclined. There’s also Nighthawk Movie Theater to see the latest Marvel film that just released. Or, of we stay close to the North entrance of the Park we can walk to Van Leeuwen for ice cream and stop by BKLYN CLAY for a quick visit. I’m the current artist in residence, so I know people.

I have a feeling that my friend would be exhausted by day five so we’ll have a leisurely brunch with bottomless drinks at Baron’s in Brooklyn and catch a show on Broadway in the evening. If we feel up to it we’ll squeeze in time to get Pastrami and Corn beef sandwiches from Katz Deli.

Most of my time in New York boils down to where can I see good art, eat good food, and chill so hopefully my friend would be quite satisfied. If all else fails, there’s always a show to catch on the subway.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many that deserve credit and recognition in my story. We’d be here quite a while if I were to name them all, so I’ll try to keep it brief. Just know that the list is longer that this. First of all my work and life is of a spiritual nature and at the center of my success is God Almighty. I am nothing without the one who created me. My mother has made many sacrifices to make sure she was always there when I needed her. She was a single mother who made sure I had all I needed, her time being number one. She’s been my number one fan since day one. My father supported me in ways I don’t think he ever really understood. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and his prayers still cover me daily. My art teacher, Mrs. Wilma Bethel, played a key role in my artistic development. To exclude her from my shoutout would be a crime. She was my art teacher from 3rd grade to 12th grade. Some of my happiest moments during those years were in her class. I wouldn’t be the artist I am now if it weren’t for Mrs. Bethel. So many other people have supported me, encouraged me, given me guidance and assurance, and I am grateful to them all. I have wonderful friends, family, teachers, and mentors. The list goes on.

Website: robynalecegibson.com

Instagram: @theartist_rag

Youtube: Robyn Alece Gibson

Other: My artwork can also be found and purchased through: https://wheelhouse.art/collections/work-on-paper?page=2 https://untitled-space.com/artists/robyn-gibson/