Raznick's unique style is articulated in the undulating surfaces, dynamic mark-making, unabashed use of color, and distinctive materials selections. The work is representational through an emotive and abstracted lens. Organic elements of soils, small bugs, creatures, sticks, rocks, feathers, nests, ceramic shards, and fabrics are incorporated into the painted surfaces. She pushes the texture by combining materials to create contrast and variety. Clumps of paint are scraped from palettes, squeezed from pastry tubes, and smeared with hands so much so that the face of the paintings are sometimes 2-4" in depth. Her intense relationship with nature is communicated in the large scale, visceral intensity, and emotional energy of her paint and clay surfaces.
These honest and powerful nature narratives are representational, yet the collaged and juxtaposed imagery creates her own fantasy-like compositions. This along with the layering of materials creates an all-over abstract surface which is tactile and rich in presentation. Raznick's parents encouraged her tremendously--her father was a sculptor/ painter--and her creative work has always been valued by her family. Growing up in the canyons of Los Angeles California, early on, Robin was exposed to a very vibrant creative community.
As a teen, she attended the famed Hollywood High School, as well as education abroad in London, England. She holds a BFA from the California College of the Arts, and an MA from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. She has participated in National Artist Residencies, as well as International Artist in Residency Programs in Israel and France where she led workshops in the former residence of Henri Matisse. She is a Kipaipai Fellow, has exhibited consistently in both museums and galleries, and is an award winning, Mentor and Arts Educator. Robin currently resides in Coachella Valley and Los Angeles, California.
Says Robin: "I first became aware of the Artists Council because my students were invited to participate in the annual, "Young Artists Showcase", where all high school students in the valley are welcomed and encouraged to enter their artworks into this competition. I thought it was so cool that the Council was supporting us art educators by highlighting our kids. So, I'd been looking for an opportunity to give back, be a part of the Artists Council community, and participate in one of the professional shows.
The Earth Exhibition seemed like the perfect fit as my work speaks to that concept. I was surprised and honored to be recognized with a "Juror's Choice" award. The Artists Council and Galen space are such a special and BEAUTIFUL part of our desert art community. We are very lucky to have both the dedicated people involved as well as the exceptional exhibition area. I teach in Thermal, and the Artists Council's commitment to education affords my students an opportunity for exposure and connection to a part of the valley they otherwise many never have experienced and provides them an avenue to participate and enter into the art world."
"This February, I'll be showing my work down the road from the Galen at Melissa Morgan Fine Art. I am thrilled to be showing at Melissa Morgan Fine Art as it is an outstanding gallery with an excellent staff, and Melissa is a woman of generous spirit and an absolute pillar of the desert art community." - Robin Raznick
