Robin M. Glassman’s mixed media works are fueled by emotions, memories, and sensory and tactile experiences. Glassman incorporates found objects, collected materials, and personal memorabilia into her art pieces, creating abstract art that relates to environmental, personal, and/or social history.
"Once a socially outgoing and talkative child, my life changed drastically when I was a teenager. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the two and one half years of traveling to NYC for treatment became routine. While distancing myself from friends and school activities, I began focusing instead on mastering backgammon, John Gnagy’s Learn To Draw, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. The hospital environment also exposed me to patients, doctors, and hospital staff with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and spiritual belief systems, gave me a broader view of the world than my Jewish suburban neighborhood on Long Island.
I moved to Manhattan at seventeen to attend art school--first for graphic design and then for art education. Afterwards, I spent time in Philadelphia-- selling art supplies to pay my rent, while painting, drawing, and selling handmade jewelry. During my two and a half years, I was absorbed in the city’s more intimate art scene as I experimented with a variety of mixed media, painting, and sculpture to create unique artworks. I began to identify as a mostly self-taught artist and continue to think of myself in that vain.
I have been strongly influenced by poet, painter and printmaker, William Blake and the metaphysical richly textured work of twentieth century artists like Andre Masson and Mark Tobey. In addition are also, the playful paintings and sculptures of Jean Miro and the complex optical illusionary graphics of MC Escher. And while briefly studying with artists such as Ursula von Rydingsvard (NYC), Christine Martin (NYC), and B. Amore (VT) I absorbed their philosophies and was exposed to the intimate heartbeat of powerful imagery. My own artistic practice is thoughtful, contemplative, and playful."
Glassman currently live with her husband, John and dog, Blanca, in Brooklyn and upstate in Accord, NY. Her work is inspired by walking and sitting in nature and playing indoors and outdoors with both collected and found objects and natural materials. She is never without a sketchbook and is constantly mining the environment for new projects and ideas. In addition, by practicing Taoist Meditation, Chi Gong and Wu-style Tai Chi for twenty years, Robin infused the principles of these eastern rituals into her daily life as an artist.
"Once a socially outgoing and talkative child, my life changed drastically when I was a teenager. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the two and one half years of traveling to NYC for treatment became routine. While distancing myself from friends and school activities, I began focusing instead on mastering backgammon, John Gnagy’s Learn To Draw, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. The hospital environment also exposed me to patients, doctors, and hospital staff with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and spiritual belief systems, gave me a broader view of the world than my Jewish suburban neighborhood on Long Island.
I moved to Manhattan at seventeen to attend art school--first for graphic design and then for art education. Afterwards, I spent time in Philadelphia-- selling art supplies to pay my rent, while painting, drawing, and selling handmade jewelry. During my two and a half years, I was absorbed in the city’s more intimate art scene as I experimented with a variety of mixed media, painting, and sculpture to create unique artworks. I began to identify as a mostly self-taught artist and continue to think of myself in that vain.
I have been strongly influenced by poet, painter and printmaker, William Blake and the metaphysical richly textured work of twentieth century artists like Andre Masson and Mark Tobey. In addition are also, the playful paintings and sculptures of Jean Miro and the complex optical illusionary graphics of MC Escher. And while briefly studying with artists such as Ursula von Rydingsvard (NYC), Christine Martin (NYC), and B. Amore (VT) I absorbed their philosophies and was exposed to the intimate heartbeat of powerful imagery. My own artistic practice is thoughtful, contemplative, and playful."
Glassman currently live with her husband, John and dog, Blanca, in Brooklyn and upstate in Accord, NY. Her work is inspired by walking and sitting in nature and playing indoors and outdoors with both collected and found objects and natural materials. She is never without a sketchbook and is constantly mining the environment for new projects and ideas. In addition, by practicing Taoist Meditation, Chi Gong and Wu-style Tai Chi for twenty years, Robin infused the principles of these eastern rituals into her daily life as an artist.