Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Smith
Hi Robyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been involved in art, drawing since I was a kid and growing my skills from there. I took up creating with clay in High School, mostly as a side hobby but got away from it after I graduated.
Even though I loved fine arts, I decided to go to school for graphic design and spent 12 years in the field. I worked my way up the ladder into a position as Creative Director, but in 2019, burnt out hard. The environment of the company I worked for and the field itself was very competitive and draining. I couldn’t see my life going that way for the next 20 years, so I eventually left that job and career altogether. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, because I put everything into it; money, time and effort. I felt the judgement of people who were questioning my decision. What eventually helped me was getting back into ceramics and working with my hands.
I took classes at an arts center on the east side of Michigan (where I am originally from), then after moving to Grand Rapids in 2022 I created a home studio in my dining room where I now work mostly full time.
I don’t have formal training in ceramics. I’m partially self-taught and have also had many people guide me along the way including fellow members at local pottery studios, people in online ceramic art groups, group classes and one-on-one instruction with talented potters, books, and YouTube videos.
I started Robyn Lynn Studios in 2022 to share my art with others in the form of art markets, gallery shows, and online.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest mental health struggle was accepting that my life was going in a new direction, and even though I am choosing my path it can still feel scary. Being an artist can be lonely; I work out of my home and sometimes don’t see other people for days. I have to actively create time and space to build community, and that can be difficult. But it is so rewarding when I go to an art show or market, see my fellow artist friends who also understand the grind, and we can all laugh and share the joy of doing what we love and enjoy.
Another challenge is clay itself. Learning how to work with this medium has been extremely humbling! Clay can be molded, but does what it wants. You could work on a piece for hours, just to have it crack or break in the kiln. It’s very much an art where you learn through failure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hand-built both decorative and functional stoneware clay pieces. I’m probably most known for my watercolor illustrations and sculptures of wildlife that I decorate my work with. I sculpt somewhat realistic and detailed adornments, and I think people recognize that when they see my work.
I’m most proud that I have been able to grow and improve my skills over the years. The ceramics community is a wonderful group. I have found that most people are willing and excited to share their knowledge to keep the traditions of pottery and ceramics alive. This has helped grow my confidence even when I felt like I wasn’t good enough.
I’m not sure what sets me apart, that’s a tough question to answer for myself! But if I had to share what people have said about my work, they usually comment on the amount of detail, the watercolor style glazing, and the cute factor of my more whimsical pieces.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love hearing how my work touches people, and I’m always up for a collaboration with other artists. You can support me by visiting me at a market or art show, follow me on social media and interact with my posts, commission a piece of custom art, and of course purchase my creations! All of my info is listed on my website, www.robynlynnstudios.com or Instagram @robynlynnstudios
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robynlynnstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlynnstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092568626213
