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