Artist Statement
As a child I was always drawn to making things and playing outdoors, finding wonderful objects. This has continued though out my life. I am a collector, finding objects on walks in cities, the woods, and by the ocean. My ideas have evolved from nature, ancient African Art and modern art. These influences can be seen in my work with the integration of found objects. I incorporate shells, seedpods, metal, beads, and wood into the surface patterns and forms of my pottery. These forms are both playful and spiritual, whimsical and mystical.
Function is also important to me. I appreciate the history of pottery and enjoy making pots that can be used every day : a favorite mug for your coffee or tea, a favorite bowl, or a complete set of dishes. I am not a production potter, no two pieces are alike, unless they are a part of a set. I enjoy the drawn and painted components in my work. The spirals, dots, and triangles make the surface come alive.
Inspiration, ritual, and function are all integral parts of pottery making. I enjoy these rhythms of working with clay. The processes of throwing, assembling, glazing., loading and unloading the kiln all affect the final objects. My studio has large windows and it over looks my garden and woods. It is a peaceful setting where I see the change of seasons and watch the wildlife. My home studio is my sanctuary.
Robin Ann’s Biography
My first clay experience goes back to my high school art class. I actually sold my first piece, a small clay sculpture, to a teacher. That day clay and art wove their way into my life. In college, as an occupational therapy student, we were required to take a clay class. Of course this was my favorite class! After graduation, with a degree in occupational therapy, I started taking a night time pottery class at Anne Darling Studio in Sarasota, Florida. She inspired and encouraged me to go to Penland School of Crafts here in NC, where I took 2 classes over 4 weeks. The 2 sessions in clay pulled me further into the world of clay and art. I quit my job as an occupational therapist, and pursued clay full time with a part-time job at UPS to help financially. I started doing the craft show circuit in Florida. I took more workshops, including a 2 week session at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. This inspired me to go back to collage. It took a year, but I went to Boston for a semester at the Program in Artistry. Later I transferred to The NY State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where I received a BFA. At Alfred, I started creating mixed media sculpture.
After spending 2 years in California, I moved to Asheville, NC. A few years later my husband and I started Friendly Hollow Studio where we taught pottery and sculpture. This was short lived ( only 3 years ) but resulted in building a wonderful studio ! Through the years I have continued to work in clay and art but on a limited scale.
Soon after moving to Asheville, our son was born. I decided to work as an OT. After several years I became a Certified Hand Therapist. I found hand therapy rewarding, meeting wonderful people and helping them recover from injuries and different hand diagnoses. I continued doing art work and participated in shows including a show at the Asheville Arts council and one at the Walked Art Center at The Asheville School. Since 2016, I have created pottery and small mixed media sculpture full time. Now I am focusing on clay. It is wonderful to be back in the studio, pursuing my passion for art work on a full time basis.