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/