Robyn Knoper: Meet the Artist
I am an artist and creator born and raised in West Michigan. Studying illustration at GVSU inspired me to test out many mediums. After graduation I searched for ways to create involving others. This helped me recently discover a love for curating.
Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits?
A: I first met Hannah when I assisted Jasmine Bruce on her Harriet Woods Hill mural. I had heard of Lions & Rabbits before but this is when I first got involved. I first worked for them as an artist on the storm drain project in the 2021 season.
Q: What themes/ideas are highlighted in your work? Intentions?
A: I love the beauty found in nature. Most of my work is more on the natural side of things because, due to being colorblind, it is easier to know what colors are found in nature. I have recently decided to embrace how I view colors and use it to show my view of things. So, I am looking forward to playing with that.
Storm Drains 2021
Q: Run us through your creative process - How do you start, flow and finish?
A: Lately most of my work has been commission work. I start by gathering reference images and doing research. Then produce a few sketches. To complete the piece I will turn on some music or have a movie on in the background while I work.
Q: What obstacles/struggles have you encountered throughout your career as an artist? Or challenges you face through your creative process
A: I have mostly struggled with the idea of "style". Due to using so many mediums I don't have a consistent style, which is intimidating for an artist trying to market themselves. I have learned to adapt my style for the project I am working on in the moment. Though the struggle with style is an ongoing thought in the back of my mind.
Q: Can you share a little more about how your art career started. Have you always been in your field? Were you self taught or had additional schooling?
A: I never saw myself as doing anything but art for school and my family never doubted that I would be successful in the field of art so that really helped boost my confidence! I have worked in a lot of customer service positions in the past but was always creating something on the side. Graduating with an illustration degree gave me a step in the right direction for my future.
Q: Who/what are your biggest inspirations that play a key role in the work you produce?
A: For commissioned pieces, it is the story behind what I am helping create. The meaning for those receiving the artwork and how it can help them heal or celebrate a memory. For my personal pieces, it is reviving my love for creating. Every time I paint something just for me or get lost in blending chalk it reminds me why I love the physical act of creating artwork. The soothing feeling of being swept away in a project.
Q: Is there anything you wish you could change about your work?
A: I am looking forward to playing more with my colorblindness and not just conforming to the colors the world "should" be.
Q: What mistakes have you made? What did you learn from them? What are you trying to get better at?
A: Honestly, I am trying to get better at it all. I am trying to become more introspective and also embrace my shortcomings.
Q: Do you feel supported by your community as an artist? In what ways could you feel more supported?
A: Between my family and working at Lions and Rabbits, I feel extremely supported by everyone. The artists I have worked with for curating so far have been great and I am hoping for even more collaboration in the future.
Q: Describe a moment when you felt most proud of yourself
A: When I first curated a space for Lions & Rabbits. I felt like even that one moment helped me grow as an artist and human.
Q: What's most important to you about what you create, and how it impacts others?
A: It brings me joy to finish a piece. Then even greater joy if I get to see how happy it makes the person receiving it.
Q: What's next? What are you currently focusing on or looking forward to?
A: I am growing as the Curator for Lions and Rabbits as well as brainstorming upcoming projects for my personal work.
Q: What does being an artist mean to you? What is the function of artists in society?
A: To me it means to share my talents with others. Society needs many different aspects to function, one of these being artists. We create an avenue to talk and celebrate ideas with visual means. I always love to focus on the little things in life because it's all important in some way.
Q: And of course, if you could chose any vehicle to travel, real or imaginary what would it be?
A: I would use some type of spaceship because I have always wanted to experience zero gravity!
Follow more of Robyn’s work on robynlynnillustration.com and instagram.com/robynlynnillustration
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