Killer Sponge Discovery: She's Carnivorous

Four new species of carnivorous sponges were discovered by the research team at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the deep ocean. My new painting series was inspired by these fascinating new species. Most sponges feed by filtering water though pores in their bodies and filter the bacteria to eat. In the deep ocean, that's not energy efficient. These newly discovered carnivorous sponges have thousands of microscopic hooks or spicules that trap larger prey when it lands on the spiny skeletons. The prey is slowly digested over a few days. I was struck by now the creatures were named because they all have a specific story and inspiration. Equally fascinating is the unique shape of the spicules for each of the individual species. For more information about the recently discovered sponges, please visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium's website.   mbari.org


MBARI's film that inspired the paintings

Asbestopluma monticola, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma monticola, whose name means mountain dweller, was found on the ancient lava flow at Davidson Seamount off the Central California coast. There were several organisms in various states of decomposition found on this species.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, was named after marine biologist Ed Ricketts, who was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s book, Cannery Row.

    

Cladorhiza caillieti, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza caillieti was discovered on a lava flows near Vancover Island and named after professor and marine biologist Gregor Cailliet from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at CalState.

Cladorhiza evae, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza evae, named after marine biologist Lonny Lundsten's wife Eva. He was part of the research team who discovered the creature. These creatures were found growing in groups near a hydrothermal chimney along the Alarcon Rise off the tip of Baja.

Stomatopod- new etching

Stomatopod, 5" x 7", etching, ed. 20, 2014

Stomatopods or Mantis Shrimps have one of the most advanced abilities to see color. Our eyes contain millions of light sensitive cells called rods and cones. Rods enable us to see light and motion and cones enable us to see color. Humans have 3 color-receptive cones, butterflies 5, and Stomatopods 16. These beautiful creatures are only 6 – 12 inches but are creatively violent. They have two raptorial appendages on the front of its body. These accelerate with the same velocity as a gunshot fired from a 22-caliber bullet. Their limbs move so quickly, the water around them boils in a process known as supercavitation. When these cavitation bubbles collapse it produces an undersea shockwave that can kill prey even if the Stomatopod misses its target. The force of these collapsing bubbles also produces temperatures in the range of several thousand Kelvins and emits tiny bursts of light. This effect is called sonoluminescence. Their limbs are so resilient; researchers have been studying their cell structure for use in the development of advanced body armor for combat troops. Aquariums don’t house Stomatopods because they tend to slaughter every other creature they share a tank with and also because they can break aquarium glass.  

Angela Meleca Gallery in Columbus Ohio

I'm very excited to be working with Angela Meleca Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Check out this lovely installation of my paintings downtown on E. Broad Street. Please visit the website for more information. http://www.angelamelecagallery.com/artists/ 

Apartment Therapy feature

paintings by Renee Robbins

Apartment Therapy features my paintings in this gorgeous apartment in Chicago's Lincoln Square. "The Kings have mastered an original balance between traditional and modern, elegant and humorous, and classic and avant-garde." Check out this super fun apartment feature that includes several of my paintings.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-kings-quirky-castle-house-tour-206067#_

Lure: only the females glow

Lure, 30" x 30", acrylic on canvas, 2014.

A new painting entitled, Lure, inspired by glowworms that live in Watimoto Caves in New Zealand. Only the female glowworms have the capability to glow and exhibit bioluminescence. I found that really interesting because typically in nature, the males are the ones that exhibit special features. I used sparkly mica particles in the paint so it changes colors when you look at it from different angles. This piece will be exhibited at Packer Schopf Gallery (942 W Lake, Chicago) from Sept 5 - Oct 18, 2014.

Man O' War- new etching

Man-O-War, 5"x7", etching and aquatint, ed. 20, 2014.

This piece is based on the Portuguese Man O' War. While it may have the appearance of a jellyfish, it's actually a Siphonophore. This organism is made up of multiple individual creatures called zooids that function and act as one creature.  However, zooids can not function on their own and they depend on each other for survival. 

Golden Arrow- new etching

Golden Arrow, 5" x 7", etching and aquatint, 2014.

I called this piece "Golden Arrow" after the Polychaete creatures that live in the deep abyssal plains. The forms of their bodies can vary greatly among species and some may even swim amongst plankton. Arrows can function as signs, symbols, tools, and also as weapons. I like the idea that an arrow could point somewhere fantastical and that the arrow point usually plays a role in determining the function. 

Postcards for Aquatic Kaleidoscope

postcards for Lubeznik Center for the Arts

The postcards have arrived for my solo exhibit, Aquatic Kaleidoscope, at Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. The show runs Aug. 2- Oct. 18, 2014.

Galactic Lagoons at South Shore Arts

Galactic Lagoons exhibit at South Shore Arts runs from June 27- Aug 17, 2014.
The art center is located at: 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321

Album design for Still

front cover

back cover

 "Still" is Boston-based Beth McDonald's recording of works for tuba and electronics. It features my art on the cover. She selected the work "Rings of Saturn" and then I created the design for the rest of the album. It was such a pleasure to work on this project. Check out this recent interview with Beth McDonald talking about her new album here.


You can listen and purchase her album here.

365 Artists 365 Days interview

Thank you to 365 Artists 365 Days Project for this fantastic feature on my work and take a peek inside my studio. It's a great blog that interviews a different artist each day and today I'm the featured interview. http://365artists365days.com/2014/05/19/renee-robbins-chicago-illinois/

Galactic Lagoons at South Shore Arts

A new piece for my next solo exhibit, Galactic Lagoons, at the South Shore Art Center. I'll be dropping the work off in about 6 weeks and the opening reception is in July. Super pumped for the exhibit and for the start of summer!

South Shore Arts Center
1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321

solo show: Galactic Lagoons

June 27 - August 17, 2014

Opening Reception: Sunday, July 20 from 1-3 pm

Top-Scan Aqua-Loop, 20" x 20", acrylic on canvas.

Art Fridge- ITAK

My art fridge with a few of my favorite things. Thanks to Inside the Artist's Kitchen for getting a photo of this. I save every postcard for every exhibit that I attend. I have boxes and boxes and not enough room for all of it on the fridge. The selection changes as I add new cards.

 

 

My art fridge, photo by Inside the Artist's Kitchen Michael Soto.

Inside the Artist's Kitchen Interview - Pretzles and Beer Cheese

Check out the Q&A and then click on the get recipes button for the second part of the feature where we make pretzels & beer cheese. Thanks to Inside the Artist's Kitchen for this wonderful feature. I had fantastic time chatting with these lovely folks at my exhibit and then later in my kitchen.


 

Interview with Inside the Artist's Kitchen:
http://insidetheartistskitchen.com/blog/renee-robbins-comfort-kitchen-qa/

Get the Pretzel and Beer Cheese recipe I made during the interview:

http://insidetheartistskitchen.com/blog/comfort-kitchen-pretzels-wbeer-cheese/

I love the illustration they created for the pretzels and beer cheese. They arranged the pretzels nicely on a plate to photograph in this exact configuration and called it "the money shot". bwhaaaaaaa

illustration from Inside the Artist's Kitchen artist Anna Gorman

cookbooks

danziggy

April Events at Comfort Station

APRIL EVENTS

           

WED. 4/2 8p-10p,Comfort Film,“Grave of the Fireflies” (1988)

THURS. 4/3 7:00-9:00p, Comfort Music: Bitchin’ Bajas, Jim Becker

SAT. 4/5 4:00-7:00p, Opening Reception for Renee Robbins, Curated by MK Meador

SUN. 4/6 11:00-3:00p, Gallery Hours with Renee Robbins + 3:00-5:00p, Comfort food potluck

WED. 4/9 8p -10p, Comfort Film, “Fantastic Planet” (1973)

THURS. 4/10 7:00-9:00p, Comfort Music: Peter Ferry, Quarter Mile Thunder

FRIDAY 4/11 8-10:30p, Once In A Lifetime: Fifteen and Pregnant presented by Comfort Station and the Logan Square International Film Series with Everything is Terrible and Saki. Description of the event: "Comedians riffing live on a screening of a Lifetime Original Movie"

SAT. 4/12 2:00-4:00p, Sacred harp

7:00-9:00p, Temple Music IV:  The Original Flowering Earth + TBA

SUN. 4/13 11:00-3:00p, Gallery Hours with Renee Robbins + 3p Community Conversations

WED. 4/16 8p-10p, Comfort Film Screening, “Summer Wars” (2010)

THURS. 4/17 7:00-9:00p, Comfort Music: Dalia Chin/Eliza Bangert/Kate McDuffie, Pillars & Tongues

SAT. 4/19 9-5p Numero Record Store Day

SUN. 4/20 Closed for Easter

WED. 4/23 8p-10p, Comfort Film Screening, “Chico and Rita” (2010)

THURS. 4/24 7:00-9:00p, Comfort Music: Bill Vermette, Brett Naucke

SAT. 4/26 2:00-4:00p, Sacred harp + 5:00-8:00p, The Ink & Blood Dueling Society's Underground Writing Duels

SUN. 4/27 11:00-3:00p, Gallery Hours + 2:00p, Gallery Artist Talk

WED. 4/30 8p-10p, Comfort Film Screening, “Perfect Blue” (1997)

Fieldnotes - postcard design

I'm sending out the postcards for my solo show Fieldnotes at Comfort Station. This how the design looks.

Algal Stardust - new piece

Algal Stardust, 12" x 12", acrylic on panel

Freefall Space Shot- new piece

Freefall Space Shot, 20" x 15", gouache, ink, colored pencil and graphite on paper

Blue Button etching

Blue Buttons, 5in x 7in, 2 color etching and aquatint, ed. 20, 2014

The taxonomic class Hydrozoa contain the tiny Blue Buttons creatures. While related to a jellyfish, they function a bit differently. Each creature is actually a colony of individual polyps. They live together on the surface of the ocean and drift across the sea. A single mouth intakes all food for the colony. While I had planned on all the etchings being one color, I decided that I wanted to do this one in two colors.

Sunken Ships etching

Sunken Ships, 5in x 7in, 2 color etching and aquatint, ed. 20, 2014.

It can be estimated that there are over 3 million shipwrecks spread across the ocean floor, both deliberate and accidental. I found the possible mysteries in this concept really stimulating so that inspired me to create this print. My painting the Wanderer draws from this idea as well. The architecture elements of the ship often become part of the ocean as corals and different creatures grow and swim all over them. I used two colors in printing this etching, which is also a new development in my etching series.

Siphonophore etching

Siphonophore, 5in x 7in, 1 color etching, sugar lift, and aquatint, ed. 20, 2014

The great Siphonophores roam and billow around the deepest depths of the ocean where food and light is very scarce. Siphonophores are actually colonies of animals that behave as a single organism. Each of the animals perform different tasks such as swimming, reproducing, stinging, and feeding.  Belonging to the taxonomic class Hydrozoa, Siphonophores are some of the longest creatures in the world at lengths of over 150 ft. Siphonophores use bioluminescent lures to attract and entice prey in a dazzling display of light, blinks, flashs, and bleeps. When unsuspecting fishes are attracted to the light, stinging tentacles wrap around to finish the job.

In regard to the process of this print, I used a new technique called sugar lift and it adds an additional step to the aquatint process. I painted a sugar solution of corn syrup, gum arabic, and india ink on the plate. It has to be removed or lifted off the plate before putting in the acid. After removing the sugar lift, I applied the aquatint with an airbrush. Sugar lift can result in more painterly marks than using aquatint alone. There were three stages of this print. First, the lines were drawn central figure for the line etch and in then in the second step, I added a traditional aquatint. Finally, I painted the sugar lift areas which are located in the background around the main Siphonophore figure. Sugar lift makes a different mark and I'm really excited about the possibilities. It was really frustrating because took me 5 entire studio days to get the sugar lift to work. At times it was really defeating if you could imaging working for an entire week without getting anything done or having anything to show for it. Plus to add to my frustration, it was costing me money because I had to rent the studio space each day at Spudnik Press. I was pulling my hair out, but eventually I was able to get it to look I wanted so that was really thrilling.

Etching plates in process

Here are some process shots shots for some new etching prints: Siphonophores, Sunken Ships, & Blue Buttons. 


The first photo shows the line drawing before putting it in the acid to etch.

The second photo shows the aquatint in process where I can get different values and tones on the plate. 

The third is proofing Blue Buttons after several dunks in the acid.

 The final photo contains proofs in several colors hanging above my painting desk. I've have looked at these every day since I started the project in April 2013. I'm analyzing the individual pieces as well as how they work together as a series. 

Fieldnotes at Comfort Station

Hydrozoa: Blue Buttons, 14in x 16in, acrylic on canvas, 2013.

Comfort Station presents

2579 N Milwaukee

Chicago, IL 60647

Fieldnotes 
new paintings and etchings

by Renee Robbins

Opening Reception:

Saturday, April 5, 4-7pm

Show Dates:

April 5 -27, 2014

Gallery Talk:

Sunday, April 27, 2pm




Chicago artist Renee Robbins exhibits her recent work of paintings and etchings at Comfort Station in April 2014. Fieldnotes is a reference to the scientific practice of observing variables, taking notes, and making lists. These notations can be seen as a journal of evolving ideas and Robbins uses this system as a way of negotiating between abstraction and representation. Recorded daily on scientific expeditions and adventures, Fieldnotes often include information about an infinite amount of variables such as color, shape, movement, pattern, location, or type of specimen. Oftentimes, the notes are reconfigured for research reports and presentations post-adventure. The artist views this reconfiguring as similar to her technique of pulling together the micro and the macro into one form. For each composition, rather than one specific specimen, there is a multiplicity or blend of many figures. In this way, Robbins’ paintings and etchings are a way to respond to the diversity in the natural world, both in and outside of our human experience

Renee Robbins works as a visual artist in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. She has a BFA from the University of Kentucky and an MFA from Michigan State University. Most recently she exhibited at Firecat Projects, La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Ann Tower Gallery, and the Union League Club. Her other selected exhibitions include the Alden B Dow Museum of Science and Art, South Bend Art Museum, Alexandria Museum, and the Kresge Art Museum. The Chicago Gallery News featured her work as a ‘Young Chicago Artist’ to watch in the May - August 2013 issue.

For more info on Renee Robbins’ paintings: http://reneerobbins.com/fieldnotes.html

And a link to Renee Robbins’ prints http://reneerobbins.com/etchingsLL.html

Siphonophore No. 1

Siphonophore, gouache and colored pencil on paper, 5.25in x 11in, 2014.

I have a lot of new ideas and works in process based on the Siphonophore. It's not really one creature but a combination of several creatures that act as one in the deep sea.

Astro-Candy

Astro-Candy, acrylic on canvas, 14in x 15.5in,  2013.

Comfort Station- solo show

Comfort Station, 2579 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

I have a solo exhibit called Fieldnotes opening at Comfort Station on April 5th. I think it looks like a research station so that inspired the creation of all new work for the exhibit. I'm really excited to share all the new work with everyone. 

Pulsating Portal- etching

Pulsating Portal, 5in x 7in, etching and aquatint, 2013, ed. 20.

My fourth etching in the Community Supported Art project, Love Letters to the Ocean, is called Pulstaing Portal. In the deep sea, creatures must go to great lengths to attract mates and food. The flashes, blips, and patterns of light created in these environments are both spectacular and mysterious as in a ballet. The movements often seem carefully choreographed and complex. Ocean creatures often get their names from objects in our human range, such as the organ pipe, mushroom, and brain coral. The bell form on “Pulsating Portal” is inspired by the Deep-Sea Coronate Medusa, which has characteristics of both a ballet tutu and a space helmet. Their long tentacles are often held upwards and they can erupt bioluminescent fluid to distract predators. When it’s time for the performance to begin, the curtain rises to reveal a spinning symphonic performance that pulsates into another dimension in space or the deep sea.

Fieldnotes- postcard design

postcard front

postcard back

Interview 'Macro-Biotic Breeds' with Inside/Within

Great interview and feature about my work with Inside\Within. If you've always wanted to go inside my studio here's your chance to go within the process of my work. I had a fantastic time talking with Kate Sierzputowski & Ashleigh Dye. 

Read the interview here:
http://insidewithin.com/ReneeRobbins.html