Meet Craig Robb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Robb.

Hi Craig, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I didn’t get started in creating art until I was in my 30s. I grew up with two incredibly talented brothers, one as a sculptor and another who was a writer, dancer, and musician. Going into adulthood, I felt the need to make my mark in the world different from my brothers and they had taken all of the creative paths. I tried corporate, construction, and the food industry to no avail so I went back to university to find something that might interest me.

I took a summer sculpture class to ease back into things and happened upon a teacher who saw within me my potential and encouraged it. After much resistance, I succumbed. I don’t believe that it was a hard choice to make to art as a career/life. Once I got into it, I knew that there was nothing else out there that would be as fulfilling and I had this drive within me to create. It also helped to have a brother in the arts, watching his struggles to become successful, and seeing his passion for being an artist. I went into it with the understanding that I would probably never get wealthy doing this. Knowing the financial rewards would be limited, I began creating art that fulfilled me and allowed me to explore and experiment.

Luckily for me, people have responded favorably to my work allowing me to stay in the field. After graduating, I was fortunate enough to land a job as a Sculpture Shop Technician at DU. A fancy title for the guy taking care of the facilities. Working with Lawrence Argent, my duties soon expanded to where I was assisting him by helping teach the students the technical side of building their art. Over my career, I have shown in many different galleries as well as the co-operative; Pirate: Contemporary Art. My art has been collected across the country and can be found in many corporate collections throughout the Metro area.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Again, after watching both brothers struggle in their endeavors, I understood what I was getting into and faced head-on all of the trials and tribulations that all artists lament about. I remember students asking me what it was like to be a professional artist hoping to be regaled with tales of grandeur.

Instead, they got to hear about all of the hours I spent with them and the hours I put into making my art later after they all went home. Seeing their dismay, I would always preface it by telling them how fulfilled my life was because I am an artist.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The sculptures I’m best known for are wall-hungs made with wood, steel, and acrylics. I also incorporate found objects or ones that I have made. I also am a very curious creature so I love to explore different materials or techniques I have done different series of work made from just found objects or forming sheets of acrylic into pieces.

I also started playing with LED lights a few years ago just to see how it might change what I make. I also love to do small installations at Pirate. The latest being a video piece involving a hanging water table and another having dancers perform around light structures I built Probably most proud of the work I did with sculpture students

Not sure what sets me apart. I think most people might say the quality of my craft is what sets me apart. I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to how I fashion my art. I have spent many an hour learning and perfecting the techniques used in building my work

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Growing up in Boulder, I’ve seen a lot of change in Colorado over the years. Some good, some bad. Still love our mountains and our sunsets but don’t like the sprawl, traffic, and congestion.

We have a great alternative art scene here but most of it has had to change neighborhoods due to pricing and lack of support. So many new and different restaurants too. So much great hiking available.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://craigrobb.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiger3d/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.robb.35/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigrobb/