“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”
-Nietzsche
We recently caught up with award-winning Toronto artist Jeffrey Robinson to discuss life, art, love and whatever other random topics you can think of. Over the past few years, Jeff has become a close friend and we always enjoy the in-depth, creative conversations and good laughs whenever we get together. It’s an honor anytime we get to work with him or just hang out.
If you’d like to find out more about Jeff, you can read his full bio here on his website. You can also contact him about purchasing one of his works or commissioning a custom piece.
Without further ado, please enjoy Jeff’s interview and amazing art:
What are your main creative outlets?
My main creative outlet is daydreaming haha but really I find motivation in many forms. I just feel at my best when I get my head wrapped around a new painting and dig in, then it’s all I can think about until that fulfilling moment of completing my vision!
What caused you to gravitate toward a creative lifestyle?
After years of trying to live the “9 to 5” life and in the hospitality industry I never felt I was doing what I was meant to do, after a wake up call via a terrible break up with my ex-fiancee art seemed to present itself back into my life. That is when I started creating again and it developed into a what is now, my life long passion and career.
How did you start creating your art?
I’ve always been naturally creative and luckily gifted with some talent for art. I didn’t take it seriously until 5 years ago.Â
Do you have a message with your art?
I always try to embed an inspiring and positive message through my art. I want to put art on people’s walls that has a deeper story than the visual aspect, whether it be my own expressed emotions, a point of view with themes in our world or just something fun!Â
What role do you think art has in our society?
Art is so important in telling stories of our time, it empowers people, tells great stories and is a pinnacle in the culture of our country. We need art, it is a powerful and positive entity!Â
What type of music do you listen to and why?
I listen to many forms of music. I enjoy everything from past masters in classical, rock, deep house remix, funk, hip hop and jazz! It depends on what I’m painting or the mood I’m in. It balances me, I have to have good music playing while I paint. For example, if I’m feeling the need to be calmed from the clutter of everyday life then I throw on some Chopin piano to calm the mind. If I want to get into a groove, some good house or hip hop gets the flow going!
What has been your scariest experience?
My scariest time was probably way back when I got carried away in the party scene. I took it too far for a short period and my life hit its low, I lost friends and hurt my family. It was the moment I stood up for myself and made a huge change! Scary memories but great pinnacles to lead a stronger life!Â
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Most inspiration comes in so many ways, ideas just pop into my head. I really like to think through my art so I study masters and themes to educate myself enough to put depth and meaning to my art.Â
What’s your favourite job aside from your creative passions?
For years I enjoyed bartending and serving, I enjoy food and wine. I learned a lot from my experience in that field!Â
Give the “10-year-old you” one piece of advice.
Don’t be so naive dude!Â
What superpower do you wish you had and why?
Unlimited stamina, imagine the posibilties hahaÂ
Art is… (Complete the sentence/paragraph)
…a life saver, it breathes life into our souls and into our culture. I just can’t fathom our world without it!Â
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t give up following your passion, even when the crazy difficult challenges are present.Â
What do you want to share with the world?
I want to embody a positive message through art, I want to give back through the gift I was graciously given. We all need to inspire and be inspired!
Thanks again to Jeff for taking the time to talk and share with us! We look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.
Here are some of the links and social media platforms you can find Jeff on:
Twitter: @JeffroArt
Website: http://www.jeffreyrobinsonart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyRobinsonArt/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jeffreyrobinsonart
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