Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Beth , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Being an artist is inherently riddled with risk. From having the nerve to showcase your inner thoughts to the general public to taking the leap of faith that you want to do it as a business and make a living from your work. Every step of the way is about being vulnerable, courageous, and taking a risk.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Beth Robinson and I make Strange Dolls. Strange Dolls are one-of-a-kind, hand-sculpted macabre and beautiful art dolls. I am a resident artist at Soulard Art Gallery in St. Louis, MO, and maintain a regular studio practice in Maplewood. My dolls have been exhibited all over the globe and have been featured in many publications, radio, and tv spots.
Dolls represent precious things, sentimentality, and innocence. I am attracted to manipulating people’s natural response to the doll form by pairing it with the grotesque. My art dolls are dark, creepy, and macabre. And while they are called “dolls,” Strange Dolls are not something you would buy for a child, unless you want to give them nightmares.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
BUY ART. That is the most obvious answer.
But you can also show your support by sharing an artist’s work on social media or forwarding their website to friends and family. Attend art openings. Buy art as gifts. Donate to organizations that offer grants to artists. It may sound simple but message an artist that you resonate with and tell them how much their work means to you. Sometimes just a few words of encouragement can really go a long way.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Artists are truly some of the hardest-working people there are. Most are running their art business on top of full-time jobs and parenting. They work all the time. There is a general assumption that artists spend most of their time navel gazing and daydreaming but that is not the case. Artists have to wear many hats – from professional development in their craft to marketing to accounting. I think most professional artists have the most difficult time balancing everything and still finding time to be inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strangedolls.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangedolls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethrobinsondolls/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/strangedolls
Image Credits
Photo of the artist: Matt Hogan All images of the dolls: Beth Robinson