We were lucky to catch up with Robyn Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful piece I’ve made would have to be the coral-inspired vessel I entered into ArtPrize in 2023. When I started the piece, I knew it was going to be a medium-sized vase with flowing curves and a balance of positive and negative space that resembles the look of a coral reef. I then added minor sculptural elements to add interest. But the most meaningful part comes in the illustrations. During a particularly difficult time in my life when I felt like I had little control, my world was full of people who drained me, and the negative thoughts piled up, my therapist encouraged me to turn to nature to heal. She specifically asked me to focus on water, which can be insanely powerful like a waterfall, or soft and gentle, like a trickle. But each instance of it creates major change and can move mountains over time. With a newfound focus and inspiration, I grew and healed myself. The vase I created became a visual representation of water and its inhabitants, each symbolizing a trait I wished to possess in myself. For example, the creativity of an octopus, or the strength of a sea turtle. The vase also contains quotes from Margaret Atwood about the power of water and how we are one with it; and how when we recognize that power we can do great things.

Robyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

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. I create both decorative and functional pieces inspired by nature, with a side of whimsy. I hope to make people smile or create a connection with my work.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

People can support artists and creatives by showing up for us. Come to art shows, share our posts online, talk about your favorite artists at dinner parties, and of course purchase our work when and if you are able. There are so many ways to support the arts – just talk to an artist at a market and they’ll tell you. It makes my day when someone connects with one of my pieces and shares a story of why. That itself is support; it keeps me going. Understand that creatives do what we do because we are compelled to and we want to share our stories with the world. Value us and our work for the joy it brings us and those who love it, and please don’t devalue it because of a lack of understanding.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I guess I would say I have a couple of goals that I try to reach with my work. One would be to create art that speaks to me, that I am proud of and that fills my soul with joy. The second goal would be to make people happy with my work, whether they buy a piece to add beauty to their life, see a piece that reminds them of a story, or are inspired by what I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robynlynnstudios.com/
• Instagram: @robynlynnstudios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092568626213&mibextid=kFxxJD

Image Credits

Jessica Simons