We recently connected with Robin Monique Rios and have shared our conversation below.
Robin Monique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have always been an artist. I had a hard time in school, learning for me was difficult. Later I would learn about dyslexia but back then it wasn’t something we knew about. I used sketching/doodling to calm me enough so that I could focus in class, though it was definitely frowned upon. I’d get a new camera each year as I began showing interest in photography. We didn’t have a lot of money so it wasn’t anything fancy but to me it was the best! I was never afraid of trying something new, art wise. I thrived on the challenges new mediums presented. And this was before internet, so learning art was via PBS or other related programming. I didn’t know I was going to be an artist. My family always pushed for stability so I hadn’t really considered art as anything more than my own personal hobby. It wasn’t until my late twenties that art really started to call out to me. So I quit my corporate job and went to art school, Illinois Institutes of Art. I graduated with a BFA and a 3.6 GPA, I never saw so many A’s. I was so proud that I could learn and have the extra help I needed there at the school. When I graduated in June of 2003 I realized I didn’t want to go back to a regular job. I wanted to be submerged in the arts. So I opened 4Art Inc Gallery. I found a store front in Pilsen, on the southeast side of Chicago. There was a lot of artists in that area so it was perfect. My mission was to learn, share and build up the community. And so I did just that. I started up 2nd Fridays open studio’s and help to bring all of the artists together. I stayed in Pilsen for six years, it was really the best time of my life, but as artists began to strive, gentrification began and we could no longer sustain. So I was asked to join another up-and-coming art center in the Bridgeport area, just 10mins south of where I was in Pilsen. Here everyone would be in one building apposed to storefronts. I remained there from 2009-2022. My mission to support artists was unwavering as my dedication and passion for the arts was boundless. Today I am able to put more effort and focus into my own work. I feel content with all I have given and shall continue to give through my YouTube channel 4Art Diaries.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a mixed media artist. My thoughts, feeling, story can’t be told with just one medium. I think a lot of artists think that if they work with too many mediums or styles that they would be shunned by the art world. I personally could care less what the “art world” has to say about it. For me it is my connection with the world, my voice and my vision that propels me forward into this divine, creative place. It can’t be dictated by capitalistic forces or gains. My artist self is not for sale. It is a gift that saves me every single day. My work is collected and I am so grateful that my work touches people. They love it because I put the love in it. Today’s world is distracting and for me sometimes too complicated but I do what I can to be seen via social media, my website and I continue to participate in artisan markets, galleries and museum exhibitions. My mission is to leave a legacy behind, one to which, I have poured my entire heart and soul into. I am proud of all I have accomplished thus far. I have helped; artist build their careers, art enthusiasts open their own art galleries and just been a sounding board and supportive shoulder for anyone in need. To me knowledge and success doesn’t belong to just one. So I carry on my mission even if no one else bothers to pay it forward. I will until my last breathe.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It has been my experience with some non-creatives that, in there perception of art, “anyone can create that” or “my child could do that”. I have always said, “Wonderful!, I’d like to see it when you or your child is finished.” Of course no one has ever come to me with a finished piece. This isn’t a new perspective of course over hundreds of years art has been scrutinized by the public. My view is, yes, everyone can be creative, but only a handful can be called an ARTIST. Just as I, as an artist, can’t call myself a doctor, but I know how to treat a wound, cure a cold and treat pain. Creativity is for all, no doubt, but art is made through skill, passion and dedication. Just like with any other profession, art take years to perfect ones skills. My advise has always been to promote and encourage, so if you think can do what I do then I’d look forward to see it when you’re finished. I’m happy to share my creative world with whomever wants to walk the path.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I wish there were more, reasonably priced or free, outlets for artists to show their work. Funding always seems to be scarce when it comes to the arts. But we need more resources that is inclusive, funded and promoted even if it’s twice a year. Many art fairs are so overly priced. I realize there is time and costs involved. I appreciate the hard work that goes into it. Still I, myself, can’t afford to do most of them. It’s a luxury I guess. But I do find some that are in my range. My advice to artists is to find those, art fairs, that you feel fit your creative mission. You also want to do your homework when it comes to submitting to gallery and museum shows. Most times you will need to pay a submission fee, so make sure you’re not wasting your time and money by submitting to shows that doesn’t show your style of work. I use social media often to promote and sell my work. It’s a job that exceeds normal business hours lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinmoniquerios.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/robinmoniquerios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinmoniqueriosart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/4ArtDiaries
Image Credits
All images by Robin Monique Rios Self portrait photo by Tith Sin