Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Whatley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in northern Colorado, the daughter of two working artist parents, I was immersed in both the visual and theatre arts at birth. Being exposed to such varied forms of art highly affected and influenced my passion and drive to be an artist.
I was also highly encouraged and supported by a number of mentors in my formative years. The first was my elementary art teacher, Mrs. Deedee Histand. She took note of my ability to combine unusual colors together and encouraged me to push art-making without boundaries or judgment. My next mentor was no doubt one of the most inspiring instructors of all time, Mr. Joe McHugh, my junior high art teacher. He cared so much about teaching the art fundamentals that he would spend his own money on quality art supplies, giving us access to explore techniques with the best tools possible. And to this day, my mom has also been a huge influence, supporter, and mentor of my work. An established artist herself, she could see the potential I possessed at a very young age and has supported every decision I have made in my life and career. These individuals including my painting professor, Mr. Dave Yust, in college, helped shape me as an artist. Without these influencers and support network, I would not be the artist I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest challenge I faced was having the courage to take the plunge working for myself as a full-time artist.
Working as a full-time artist is truly not for the faint of heart, especially when putting work out there to be reviewed, critiqued, or acknowledged. A challenge that I face, and will always face, is fear of rejection. Logically, I realize I will not get into every art show, won’t sell everything at an art market, or may not get accepted into that prestigious academy, residency, or gallery. Even with that knowledge, I have to constantly remind myself that a rejection is not a personal reflection of me, or my art, or business.
Most of all, I work hard to not let it stop me from creating work and applying for new opportunities and shows because the ‘big break’ can and does happen! I may sell the work to a collector or art market, get accepted into a notable exhibition, or be given an award I never imagined or anticipated. Because all of these good things can and do happen, I just hang on and enjoy the ride!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After receiving a BFA with a concentration in painting from Colorado State University, I relocated to Denver in 2003 to pursue a career in the arts. With humble beginnings, working minimum wage in customer service at an art supply store, I slowly worked my way up in the arts administration field. I worked in the arts non-profit sector for nearly 7 years as a Program Coordinator, Gallery Manager, Member, and Volunteer Coordinator, and Registrar. Prior to that, I worked in a wholesale frame shop as a Designer, and also as an Art Consultant for a hospitality and hotel art consulting firm.
My most recent position was for a privately owned co-working art space as a Membership and Program Director. While working nearly 18 years in the visual arts, I continued to build my career as a fine artist.
In October 2021, I finally took the big leap and launched a career as a full-time professional artist.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
As an artist, I enjoy collaborating with other artists and creative individuals. I am currently working on a collaborative project with approximately 30 other artists around the nation. It’s a postcard exchange organized by a member-led group called the Postcard Collective. As participants, we were given a theme to interpret and then create a postcard to send to everyone. I am really eager to see how we all interpret this winter’s theme, “Recklessness”.
The best way to support me, or my work, is through my website. You can also join my newsletter by filling out the contact form listed on my website.
Pricing:
- “Beyond the Horizon” mixed media on panel, $600
- “Stargazing with the Flowers” collage on paper (framed), $150
- “The Empress” mixed media on panel, $400
- “Time Traveler” collage on paper (framed), $150
- “Venus Rising” collage on paper (framed), $150
Contact Info:
- Email: robinwhatley1@gmail.com
- Website: www.robinwhatley.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/robin.whatley.art/
