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.