Meet Robin Raznick | Visual Artist and Educator

Having a product that is desired by others is an incredible thing and I’m endlessly grateful for patrons, gallerists and curators. When you have a regular studio practice and have been practicing your craft for many years, hopefully you acheive a certain level of mastery and the product is sought after. However, being in the business of selling ones own art is a bit of a conundrum. There’s the studio practice which is a rather private, meditative and often metaphysical experience. For image and object makers there’s a driving force which propels us to continuously do our craft, and this a natural and organic part of the business. Then there’s a switching of the gears which entails continual public presentation, marketing and social media, clients, etc… It’s challenging but it’s remarkably fulfilling to be able to interact with interesting and curious people who want to talk and also bring art into their homes and places of work. There’s absolute glee in their eyes. It’s such a gift.

The arts are not an easy path, As with any self made business person, it’s a long road that requires patience and resilience. However, I’m a big believer in all good things in all good time, If you keep plugging away, listen, practice humility, be of service, research, and STAY TRUE to YOU, the universe will follow your lead. One of my most precious gifts has been the work I’ve done with students of the arts. Working with young people keeps me present, it’s a very engaging and in the moment thing, and it’s taught me so much about myself and my studio practice. I’m time challenged, but there’s never a dull moment. Everything is connected and our interdependence on each other and with the natural world is paramount for survival. 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. 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. Currently, I’m showing at the Oceanside Museum of Art in their Biennial, the The Paseo Hotel, Palm Desert, and Melissa Morgan Fine Art in Palm Desert.

Oh my, what a long list. I’m indebed and grateful that early on, I was one of the lucky ones who was lifted up by parents, and other family members who spoke positively and encouraged my delving into the arts, and education. I know this too often not true for many who are discouraged by the myth of the “starving artist”. My students are a constant source of surprise and inspiration. And of course, there are so many many, artists, gallerist, curators and patrons who have supported and mentored me. I’m a lucky and graced person.