Interview with Robin Jordan
I am a visionary multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, inviting audiences into a vibrant world of imagination and creativity. With a passion for exploring various mediums, I have seamlessly weaved together painting, sculpture, and digital art, creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply with viewers. Born in the USA, I developed an early fascination with color and form, often experimenting with different materials and techniques.
This journey led to a distinctive style characterized by a bold use of vibrant colors that evoke emotion and energy. My artwork is a celebration of life, capturing the essence of nature, human experience, and the fantastical realms of the mind. With commitment to pushing artistic boundaries is evident in my innovative approach. Each piece tells a story, inviting the audience to engage and interpret the work through their lens. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including found things and recycled items which infuse the creations with a rich tapestry of meaning.
Throughout my career, as Robin Jordan ART I've exhibited in numerous galleries and art shows, gaining recognition for my ability to transform spaces with captivating installations. Believing in the power of art to connect people and spark conversations, often engaging with the community through workshops and collaborative projects.
As I continue to explore new horizons in my art, I remain committed to creating works that not only captivate the eye but also inspire the imagination. With each brushstroke and sculpted form, I invites you to experience a world where color and creativity know no limits.
Robin, your work often transcends traditional artistic boundaries, blending painting, sculpture, and digital mediums. How do you decide which medium to use for a particular concept, and how do these choices shape the narrative of your pieces?
The choice of medium often starts with the concept itself. Each idea has its own energy and emotional tone, and I evaluate which medium can best convey that essence. For instance:
Painting offers a tactile, immediate connection to color, form, and texture. If the narrative leans heavily on emotions or relies on vibrant, layered visuals, painting can bring a sense of intimacy and rawness.
Sculpture adds a physical dimension, allowing the concept to occupy space and invite viewers to engage from multiple perspectives. If the narrative explores themes of structure, permanence, or the interplay between materiality and form, sculpture becomes the ideal choice.
Digital mediums allow for dynamic storytelling, incorporating motion, light, and interactivity. When a concept involves themes of modernity, virtual identity, or fluidity, digital art creates opportunities to challenge and expand traditional artistic boundaries.
Blending these mediums often happens when a single medium feels limiting. For example, I may begin with a painting for its emotional depth, extend the concept into a sculpture to add physicality, and incorporate digital elements to introduce movement or narrative evolution. Each medium contributes its voice, shaping the narrative by layering perspectives and textures.
Ultimately, the medium becomes a part of the story itself, influencing how viewers experience and interpret the work. By letting the concept guide my choices, I ensure that the medium amplifies, rather than constraints, the narrative.
Your bold use of vibrant colors evokes intense emotion and energy. What role does color play in your storytelling, and how do you balance the emotional weight of your palette with the structural elements of your work?
Color is one of the most powerful tools in my storytelling—it’s the emotional undercurrent that connects the viewer to the narrative. Vibrant colors evoke an immediate response, bypassing logic and speaking directly to the heart regardless it has a different tone to everyone. I use bold hues to amplify the intensity of the emotions I want to convey, whether it’s joy, tension, or even chaos. For me, color is not just decorative; it’s a character in the story, setting the tone and guiding the viewer’s emotional journey.
Balancing this emotional energy with the structural elements of my work is crucial. I approach it as if I was composing music ( I am not a musician but want it to flow in unity)—color is the melody, while structure provides the rhythm and harmony. I use composition, contrast, and form to create a framework that allows the colors to resonate without overwhelming the piece. For instance, sharp lines, geometric shapes, or a strong sense of spatial balance can ground the work and give the eye places to rest amid the vibrancy.
I also pay close attention to how colors interact. By contrasting complementary or unexpected hues, I create tension and movement that mirrors the narrative themes. In this way, color and structure become partners in the storytelling process, working together to evoke both emotional depth and visual cohesion.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach translating an abstract idea or emotional experience into a tangible work of art?
Because I am a multidisciplinary artist my process varies within each of my creations. My creative process begins with observation and introspection. An abstract idea or emotional experience often starts as a fleeting thought, a feeling, or even an image that lingers in my mind. I take the time to sit with it, asking questions like, “What does this mean to me?” or “How do I want others to feel when they see this?” This exploration is where the seed of the concept begins to grow.
Once I have a clearer sense of the core idea, I begin translating it into visual language. I might start with rough sketches, written notes, or even mood boards to explore the emotional tone and the forms it might take. This phase is fluid and intuitive, allowing the abstract idea to guide me rather than imposing a rigid structure.
Color plays a significant role early on—often it’s the first thing that helps me visualize the emotional weight of the concept. From there, I consider other elements like texture, material, and form, each chosen to enhance the narrative. For example:
Painting might allow me to express the raw emotion of an idea through bold strokes and vibrant colors.
Sculpture can give physical presence to the idea, creating a tactile connection with the viewer.
Digital mediums enable me to experiment with layers, light, and motion to expand the story in dynamic ways.
The creation process itself is a dialogue between myself and the work.I wake up and stay in bed each morning thinking about things and what I want to create....What I have on hand to work with will sometimes determine what I move forward doing. I follow my instincts, make changes, and embrace experimentation, allowing the piece to evolve organically. Sometimes, unexpected discoveries—like the way two colors interact or how a texture develops—add layers of meaning I hadn’t anticipated.
Reflection is the final, yet ongoing, step. I step back and evaluate: Does the piece evoke the emotion I intended? Is it communicating the story I want to tell? BUT it's not just my story...it is a gift to allow someone to experience their story. This phase often involves refining and balancing the elements until the work feels complete to ME.
Ultimately, my process is about transforming the intangible into something that resonates—both with me and with those who engage with the finished piece.
Your incorporation of found and recycled materials brings a layer of sustainability and texture to your work. How does this practice influence the stories you tell, and what challenges or surprises do you encounter in working with unconventional materials?
My art creations may not be so fluid as there are recycled canvases, recycled prints and pieces that I feel should be incorporated. I gather things along my daily walks and will work with this in thought, engaging the bumps and organic texture created from past creations of others or even painting over my canvases....which will happen often. Incorporating found and recycled materials is both a practical choice and a conceptual one. These materials carry their own histories—traces of their past lives—that naturally become part of the story I’m telling. By repurposing them, I aim to create a dialogue about transformation, impermanence, and the beauty in what is often overlooked or discarded.
This practice deeply influences the narratives in my work. Found materials often dictate the direction of a piece, as their textures, shapes, and imperfections inspire unexpected connections. For example, a weathered piece of wood might evoke themes of resilience and time, while a scrap of metal could suggest strength or fragility depending on how it’s used. The act of transforming these objects into art becomes part of the story itself—a metaphor for renewal and the potential to find value in the unexpected.
Working with unconventional materials does come with challenges. Found objects can be unpredictable in terms of durability, workability, or compatibility with other elements. At times, I’ve had to develop new techniques or experiment with tools to manipulate these materials effectively. But these challenges often lead to surprises—discoveries that push me to think differently and approach the creative process with flexibility.
There’s also a serendipitous aspect to this practice. The process of sourcing materials is almost like a treasure hunt, where the materials I find seem to align with the ideas I’m exploring at that moment. This interplay between intention and chance adds depth to my work and keeps the process exciting.
Ultimately, using recycled materials is about more than sustainability; it’s a way of honoring the stories embedded in these objects and weaving them into new narratives that encourage viewers to see the potential for transformation—not just in materials but in our perspectives as well.
Many of your installations are immersive, creating transformative experiences for the audience. What is your approach to crafting spaces that invite not just viewing, but active participation and interpretation
When I create immersive installations, my goal is to craft a space that feels alive—something that engages the senses, sparks curiosity, and invites the audience to become part of the work rather than simply observing it. I believe that art should be an experience, not just an object, and that participation deepens the connection between the viewer and the narrative.
My approach begins with the concept. I ask myself: What do I want the audience to feel, think, or question? From there, I think about how to use scale, texture, light, and sound to create an environment that supports those emotions and ideas. I carefully consider how people will move through the space, how they might interact with the materials, and how the environment might shift their perception of their surroundings.
Layering is key to my process. I design the space with multiple points of engagement—visual, tactile, and sometimes even auditory—so that each visitor can have a unique experience depending on their perspective and level of interaction. For example, I might incorporate elements that invite physical touch, materials that respond to movement, or soundscapes that evolve as the audience moves through the installation.
Participation is not just physical but interpretive. I avoid dictating a singular narrative, instead leaving space for the audience to bring their own emotions and stories into the work. By providing subtle clues or open-ended elements, I encourage viewers to explore, reflect, and find their own meanings.
Challenges are an inevitable part of this process—balancing accessibility with depth, or ensuring the installation can withstand active engagement. But these challenges push me to think more creatively about how to design spaces that feel both dynamic and intentional.
Ultimately, my installations are about transformation. Thinking about recycling. They aim to shift the audience’s perspective, even if just for a moment, and create a shared experience that resonates beyond the physical space.
Your art draws from nature, human experience, and fantastical realms. Can you share a specific moment or encounter that profoundly shaped your artistic perspective or inspired a pivotal work?
I’ve always loved the idea of creating something from “nothing.” Even as a child, I was drawn to turning discarded items into toys, games, and dolls—anything my imagination could dream up. My passion for reusing and recycling was fostered by my Grandmother Jordan, who was incredibly creative and resourceful. She would help me craft toys from things we found in the yard or on walks in the mountains. She taught me about nature and the role it plays in our lives and in the beauty of art.
Her ingenuity inspired me deeply. I remember how she crocheted beautiful handbags from bread bags and made quilts from old, leftover clothing. She showed me that anything could be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful with enough imagination and care.
While my own work as an artist leans toward abstraction, my grandmother’s influence has stayed with me. She taught me to see the potential in everything and to believe that I can make anything out of what’s available. That mindset continues to shape my creative practice today.
Your workshops and collaborative projects highlight the importance of connecting through art. How do these interactions inform your personal practice, and what have you learned from engaging directly with diverse communities?
Workshops and collaborative projects are an essential part of my artistic journey. They allow me to step outside my own perspective and connect with others through the universal language of creativity. These interactions often bring fresh insights and challenge me to think in ways I wouldn’t have on my own.
Engaging with diverse communities is particularly inspiring. Each person brings their unique experiences, stories, and interpretations to the table, which enriches the collaborative process. Seeing how others approach creativity—whether through different cultural lenses or personal experiences—helps me expand my understanding of what art can be and how it can communicate.
These connections deeply inform my personal practice. They remind me that art is not just about self-expression but also about dialogue, empathy, and shared humanity. I often find myself incorporating elements or ideas sparked by these collaborations into my work—whether it’s a new technique, a reimagined theme, or a different way of seeing the world.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of listening and adaptability. Every community has its own rhythm and needs, and by being open to this, I can create spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and empowered to express themselves. This exchange of ideas and energy is transformative—it pushes me to grow as an artist and strengthens my belief in art as a tool for connection and positive change.
Ultimately, these experiences reaffirm that art is not just something we create in isolation—it’s a bridge that brings people together, sparks conversation, and fosters understanding.
As a multidisciplinary artist who continually pushes artistic boundaries, how do you navigate the tension between innovation and maintaining the core essence of your artistic identity?
As a multidisciplinary artist, navigating the balance between innovation like the Artificial Intelligence Generators and maintaining my artistic identity is an ongoing, dynamic process. For me, it begins with understanding my core values and artistic voice—what drives me to create and what themes or ideas consistently resonate throughout my work. This foundation serves as an anchor, allowing me to explore new techniques, mediums, and concepts without losing sight of who I am as an artist.
Innovation excites me because it challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and see the world through a fresh lens.There are new tools for artists... I am not opposed to learning about them and how to use them in my art. Each new approach or medium offers a chance to expand the ways I communicate ideas, often revealing unexpected connections or perspectives. However, I remain mindful of ensuring that these explorations align with the essence of my practice—whether it’s my use of color, storytelling, or the underlying themes of transformation and connection.
At times, there is tension, especially when pushing boundaries feels like venturing into unfamiliar territory. When that happens, I revisit my process and ask: “Does this still feel authentic? Does it contribute to the narrative or emotional core of my work?” I trust the journey. I step back and recalibrate.
One way I stay grounded is by reflecting on the threads that run through all my work, regardless of the medium. These threads—whether they’re visual, conceptual, or emotional—help maintain coherence and continuity, even as I evolve and experiment. Ultimately, I see innovation and identity not as opposing forces but as partners. Innovation breathes life into my practice, pushing me to grow, while my core identity provides the clarity and authenticity that make my work meaningful. Together, they allow me to create art that is both dynamic and deeply personal.
Digital art is a prominent aspect of your portfolio. How do you see technology influencing not only your own work but the broader landscape of contemporary art in the years to come?
I have had the opportunity to attend many workshops about this and believe technology is already reshaping the way we create, experience, and think about art, and I believe its influence will only deepen in the years to come. For my own work, technology serves as both a tool and a medium. It allows me to experiment with new forms of expression, whether through digital installations, augmented reality, or integrating interactive elements that invite audience participation. Technology expands the possibilities of storytelling, enabling me to push beyond traditional boundaries and explore more dynamic, immersive ways of connecting with viewers.
On a broader scale, I see technology democratizing access to art and fostering global collaboration. Digital platforms and tools make it easier for artists to share their work with audiences worldwide, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. This accessibility is fostering a more diverse and inclusive art world, where voices from all backgrounds can contribute to the conversation.
I’m particularly excited by the ways technology can merge disciplines, bringing together art, science, and design in innovative ways. For example, advancements in AI, VR, and 3D printing are enabling artists to create works that were previously unimaginable—blurring the lines between the physical and digital, the real and the virtual.
That said, these advancements also come with challenges. Questions about authenticity, the role of the artist, and the environmental impact of technology in art-making will continue to shape the discourse. As artists, I believe we have a responsibility to engage thoughtfully with these issues and consider how our work can reflect or critique the role of technology in society.
Ultimately, technology is not just a tool—it’s a collaborator. It challenges us to rethink what art can be and how it can be experienced. In the years ahead, I see it driving innovation while simultaneously inviting us to question and redefine our relationship with creativity, connection, and culture.
When viewers encounter your work, you invite them into a vibrant world of imagination and creativity. What do you hope they carry with them after experiencing your art, and how do you envision your legacy within the ever-evolving narrative of contemporary art?
When viewers encounter my work, I hope they leave with a sense of wonder and possibility—a reminder that creativity has the power to transform, inspire, and shift perspectives. I want them to feel as though they’ve entered a world that invites exploration, where emotions, ideas, and connections intertwine in unexpected ways. My hope is that they carry with them a spark of curiosity, an openness to seeing the world differently, and a deeper appreciation for the layers of meaning that art can offer.
I also want my work to encourage reflection—about the personal, the collective, and the way art can act as a mirror to our lives and society. If viewers walk away with new questions, new thoughts, or a deeper connection to their own creativity, then I consider the experience successful.
As for my legacy, I envision it as one that contributes to the ever-evolving narrative of contemporary art by blending tradition with innovation, and by embracing the power of cross-disciplinary exploration. I want to be remembered as someone who pushed boundaries while staying deeply connected to the emotional and conceptual heart of art. Through my work, I hope to leave behind a narrative that celebrates the transformative potential of art—whether it’s through the reimagining of materials, the exploration of immersive spaces, or the creation of experiences that invite participation and connection.
In the end, I believe the legacy of an artist is shaped not just by the work they create, but by the conversations they spark, the perspectives they challenge, and the ways they contribute to the ongoing dialogue about what art can be and do in the world.
