Robin L. Gillis

Cheap Paper presents "SOLID GOLD" @ MINT Gallery May-June 2010

2010-05-24T11:40:00.002-04:00

hand casts, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Well, I have been incredibly negligent in posting about current projects, exhibitions, and happenings going on so I am attempting to be better about it.

To start, I'd like to announce the success of Cheap Paper's (an artist collective I am a part of) 2nd show, "SOLID GOLD" @ MINT Gallery in Atlanta, GA May 22nd-June 12th

Cheap Paper, consisting of 11 amazing Atlanta-based artists, thought we would break down the hierarchy of the artist-gallery-curator-patron relationships and open up negotiation to the patron- in essence, cut out the middle man. This is not a new concept, but one we believe in and one we felt was appropriate for our current status. We opened up conversations with guests and patrons with our slogan "Make me an Offer." Patrons were encouraged to offer anything they felt was appropriate: the amount they felt it was worth, what was in their pocket, or anything they could offer- even an oil change or cake. The artist could deny or accept, or negotiate with the patron with no pressure or expectations. Additionally, the patron could find out exactly what the were purchasing by having a one-on-one discussion with the artist about that specific piece. We sold A LOT of work and have stockpiles more to replace the sold pieces and completely change the space for our upcoming re-showings of the show!

"SOLID GOLD" consisted of sculpture, video installations, paper drawings, paintings, balloons, and misc. objects all surrounding the viewer to make them feel comfortable touching and exploring the space.

Cheap Paper will be having multiple viewings of this show:
June 6th- MINT Gallery will be open during the Paper Twin's exhibition for the beltline Sunday evening
June12th- "SOLID GOLD"'s closing reception as part of the "after party" for other local openings, including an opening @ Beep Beep Gallery From 9:30 pm till whenever! This will be GOLD DISCO themed!

For more info check out:
MINT Gallery
Cheap Paper blog
Cheap Paper facebook
Atlanta Beltline art
Paper Twins facebook
Beep Beep Gallery

Check out myself @:
Flickr. Facebook. Twitter. Etsy.

"Faux Comforter"

2010-02-17T20:18:00.002-05:00

"Faux Comforter", originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This is an in-progress shot of a side project I am working on for an exhibition in the "Pheonix Flies" events being put on by the Atlanta Preservation Center

21 artists will be showing in a site-specific installation show at the beautiful Daughters of the American Revolution house on Piedmont Ave in Atlanta, GA

Among those 21 are the 11 artists of the new artists' collective, Cheap Paper, including myself. We are an artist collective working together to bring art into our community and conquer the challenge of art making in the hostile environment we call the art world.

The show will be about each artist's relationship to Atlanta, GA, connecting to broader concepts, ideas, and locations

March 6th-22nd is the exhibition

My piece is going to be a hand-made toddler bed with a faux comforter made of envelopes I have saved from my entire life and the present. I am sewing them together to make a blanket of nostalgia and connection to the world as a whole.

I will keep you updated!

Roll Year, Roll

2010-01-27T18:43:00.009-05:00

"Elicit Response: circle the line II", originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Well, the blog is back up, after a month of pure devastation! I accidentally deleted my google account (don't ask), therefore terminating the blog and a year's worth of material! After much stress, struggle, and begging, google finally restored it for me!
A lot has happened during my forced blog-cation:
-After putting myself through college, penny for penny, for 6 years, I finally graduated! (this was celebrated in my previous post)
-I found out my baby sister is pregnant! I am expecting my second nephew, Damien, sometime around the end of March! (That will be TWO hyper boys to deal with now!) - As some of you might know, I am very involved in my nephew (and family's) life. My family is tiny and we are often involved with each other too much (just the way it is) so having my nephews are the closest thing I have to my own kids!
-I am working on/getting involved/planning/planting seeds to a LOT of amazing art projects. Some are my own, some are with collaborations, and some are with my new collective, Cheap Paper. I am super excited about them, and hope to eventually be able to devote unconditional love to them. I'll keep you posted!
-I am on a mission to get a "decent" paying job. Of course, in this climate and with my fields, this could take years. But I am determined to find a position I really love
-In the mean time, I did get a new job as a Geriatric Personal Aid. It is at least in the human service industry. I don't get to do as much art, both inside and outside the job, as I like, but it is flexible. I am just thankful to have a little extra work right now, as many people don't
-I already have several exhibitions booked for this year, and I will keep you updated!
-I've sold a lot of paintings recently and have several commission opportunities
-My father is in rehab, after being intoxicated for over 30 years. I am so proud of him, and hope he gets well soon.
-Ive made it a MUST DO priority to eat the best I can and work-out daily. Ive always been healthy, super strong, and exercised, but Ive decided I have to do this before anything else (REALLY hard!). Even art. Even if I miss exhibition opportunities, I have decided it is worth it.
-and more...

Whew! So, as you can seen, I am a busy woman. I hope the new year has brought some great things to all of you.

I'm also all over the web:

Flickr. Facebook. Etsy. Twitter. Artfire (still underway)

Graduation!

2009-12-15T15:11:00.004-05:00

Myself, Mom, Kerry, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting with ancillary studies in Psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA
December 2009

A nice way to end the year!

*Pic is of myself, my mom, and my older sister, Kerry

Well, now to continue doing this:

Facebook. Twitter. Etsy. Flickr.

Last day of undergrad!

2009-12-07T19:27:00.003-05:00

Last day of undergrad @ GSU- Me, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Last undergrad critique!

^^^These three panels are 3 of a larger series of multi-layer painting/drawings. They are panels with watercolor paper overlaid with mylar. More to come...

I just wanted to share this moment of joy with everyone. I have completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. I have gotten great feedback and feel I am on a strong path to better work. I feel like I am on to something big...

Thanks to all who have supported me in the many ways possible: artistically, emotionally, socially, and on the blogosphere!

Im all over this web thing...
Twitter. Facebook. Flickr. Etsy.

*Also, I am a part of a new artist collective, Cheap Paper. We are on the web too. Support us!
Blog. Facebook.

AXIOM: The New Alchemy, a Cheap Paper show

2009-11-23T10:58:00.003-05:00

AXIOM: The New Alchemy, by Cheap Paper- My work and I, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Well, Atlanta-based artist collective Cheap Paper's debut show was a major success! We had a HUGE turnout with all positive feedback. The empty loft space looked absolutely amazing after our 2 day renovation and hard work. Everyone's work looked great in the space!

The entire "AXIOM: baby proof" event, consisting of several Old Fourth Ward's empty commercial spaces turned into exhibitions, a live mural, Fundred Dollar Bill project, DJ, Drive by Press, and such, was pretty awesome.

***Special thanks to Public Acts of Art for getting this event to happen and Wonderroot for sponsoring the Cheap Paper exhibition! Thanks to Danny, Chris, and all of the other incredible people who made this happen!***

Check out pics @: my Flickr and Cheap Paper on Facebook

Here I am elsewhere:

Twitter. Etsy. Facebook.

Come see some great ART this weekend!

2009-11-18T12:50:00.005-05:00

Response painting 6 b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Come out and see some great Atlanta ART!

Thursday 11/19- MOCA GA (Museum of Contemporary Art Georgia)
Pin-Up Show: works from local artist members
All works 12" x 16" or under
(yes, I will be showing a little piece)

MOCA Pin-up Show Info

Saturday 11/21- AXIOM's Old Fourth Ward Revival!
Tons of local work by amazing artists
Several exhibitions going down at the same time!

Creative Loafing has the low-down!

One of the shows in AXIOM is "Wonderroot Presents: The New Alchemy, a Cheap Paper show"

Cheap Paper is a brand spanking new [awesome] Atlanta-based artist collective I am a part of consisting of emerging artists trying to survive [and thrive]

Check out Cheap Paper on Facebook for the 411

For more on my little piece of the world...

Facebook. Twitter. Etsy.

Cheap Paper: Atlanta's coolest Artist Collective!

2009-11-08T00:57:00.006-05:00

Attention Peeps!

I am a part of a new, progressive Artist Collective called Cheap Paper, consisting of 12 amazing Atlanta, GA based artists!

"Cheap Paper:

Cheap Paper is an Atlanta-based artist's collective, committed to breaking through the recessionary haze to support new and fresh movements in the city's art scene. We are individual studio artists united by our inability to fear our circumstances, and instead choose to embrace them. We are resourceful, creative and determined - despite lack of time, lack of funding, or lack of studio space. We face a new era of art-making, where mediums are often intangible and disciplinary lines are completely broken down, and our "art scene" is not just local - it's global. We have a more serious responsibility to respect environmental concerns, and to work smarter and safer. As a result of these 21st century challenges, each member of our group works as an interdisciplinary artist, using alternative materials and techniques to address contemporary societal observations and concerns. As a collective, our goals are to support one another in our efforts to prove that it is possible to succeed as an emerging artist at this point in time, to encourage growth in our local art community, and to provide one another with fresh and critical perspectives (and maybe a bit of a safety net) while pursuing our individual goals."

In other words...

We make ART!

Please support us by becoming a fan of us on Facebook and following our blog!

Cheap Paper Facebook Fan Page!!!

Cheap Paper Blog!!!

We thank you for your support and time!

You can can check out more of me at...
Twitter. Facebook. Flickr. Etsy.

*special thanks to the unknown individual(s) responsible for the photo posted above

Drawing

2009-11-02T12:35:00.006-05:00

Drawing for the sake of Drawing

This is where my mind goes to unknown places. And the absolute best places.

I think the clearest, process the most information, strategize the sharpest, problem solve the best, and have the most intimate thoughts with myself when I am drawing for the sake of drawing

I have been doing this a long time, like many artists, where I begin and end a drawing during a specific time-frame, event, or circumstance. In this drawing, I was in a talk/panel discussion with professional artists speaking about professional practices. Nothing was said that I hadn't thought of before, but in drawing things became clearer. I feel I processed the information better because of the way my mind, hand and whatever other force you can name, all fell in-sync.

I just wish all my other information gathering sessions allowed me this same opportunity.

Well, here is more...

Twitter. Flickr. Etsy. Facebook.

Response Painting

2009-10-21T13:02:00.008-04:00

Response painting 2 a, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This is an in-progress painting/drawing a part of an interview project. I am doing purely visual abstract paintings and then interviewing strangers about them. I am then taking the information collected and playing with the data sets. More to come on this project.

I am also accepting any questions/ideas in regards to this idea: what questions would you like to be asked? ect... All input is welcome!

Meanwhile, check me out here:

Flickr. Twitter. Etsy. Facebook. Facebook Networked Blogs.

"Bold Colors" - My 1st Artist Interview

2009-10-11T11:47:00.007-04:00

My interview!!! Go read it!!!

**Special thanks to Phyllis Ortega from Vinings Arts and Crafts Examiner for seeking me out and working with me!

Check out her blogs...

The Ultimate Book Soiree
&
Are You Up for the Challenge?

Also, check out other places Im on the web...
Twitter. Facebook. Etsy. Flickr.

Controlled Chaos- In-progress

2009-09-26T13:29:00.005-04:00

Controlled Chaos- In-progress, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This work is one of a series of 3 (as of now) I'm working on today. The works are 23" x 35" mixed media on mylar atop watercolor paper atop panel....confused? Me too. I'm thinking of controlled chaos in these works. I am working towards creating a pseudo science of my own via means of drawing, painting, writing, and fabricating my own data and data collecting method. Ill update as that eventually makes sense, if ever.

In the meantime, show some support:

Follow me on Twitter! Check out my Etsy shop.

Become a Fan on Facebook. Check out some Flickr shots

-Robin L. Gillis

(perhaps) love project triptych e

2009-09-21T01:20:00.005-04:00

(perhaps) love project triptych e, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.
The "(perhaps) love project" is moving along, slowly but surely. This is a later stage of a large triptych we are working on.

check out...

"project (perhaps) love"

To see in-progress shots of "(perhaps) love project"...

"(perhaps) love" in-progress shots!

I'm a NEW Online Groupie

2009-09-15T23:44:00.007-04:00

HEY!! Im on

"Mixed Media Art!"

Check out my profile:

Mixed Media Art Profile: Robin Gillis

What's in a name

2009-09-15T11:13:00.003-04:00

Click Here to check your own name

I thought this was interesting.

*special thanks to www.smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com for posting this

Update: Affordable Original Artwork

2009-09-14T17:49:00.010-04:00

NEW artwork on SALE on my ETSY site!!

**Link is on the right-hand side of the page >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

My ETSY SHOP!

I have been too busy to blog so I thought Id share what I have been doing lately. I'm working on shows, exhibitions, my conceptual work with psychology, and ETSY affordable art!

Check me out all over the web...

Etsy Shop!
Follow me on Twitter! No, I'm not annoying!
Become a Facebook Fan! Show some love!
Flickr in-progress shots and personal photos!

-Robin L. Gillis

The burdens we carry

2009-08-19T20:31:00.009-04:00

I have desperately tried to forget. I have done so in an effort to survive. But some things don't resolve themselves, as people so desperately want you to believe.

My [estranged] father is a chronic alcoholic and is killing himself while on a path to kill others. Withing the last year, he was arrested for the #th (?) time for a DUI, and finally, FINALLY, after losing dozens of jobs over the last 30 years, been reported to the board to have his Pharmaceutical License suspended-- indefinitely. Yes, that's right, he filled your family's prescriptions. In addition, he had lost several jobs before that, was evicted, totaled a car, and completely isolated himself from everyone meaningful in his life, something he has been working as for 40 years. Despite the fact that my father is he most arrogant and pathetic person I have ever come across, everyone in my family who can afford to pay for his rehab is refusing to. I don't know if it would even make a difference, but I still feel I need to try to find an affordable program. This is a miserable situation to be in as a family member of an addict: your hands are tied, and you feel like it is your fault/responsibility, yet you have to sit back and watch the train wreck--and this can be LITERAL.

It was how my aunt was killed. She was drunk and tried to beat a train over the tracks- She was killed instantly. She was young, in grad school, her whole life ahead of her, as they say. This little story is amongst the dozens of stories of my family members who have had thier lives somehow sabatoged by alcoholism and fallen victim to their own personalities.
The reality is my father may not even do as he is required to maintain his only contribution to society- his employment. In all other areas of life, he greatly lacks any purpose. I fear that with this newest development, he will no longer have anything stopping him from complete obliteration of anything in his path.

For me, family is so important. It is not something I can just walk away from. This doesnt mean growing up e all sat around the dinner table and chatted about our hopes, dreams, desires, or even our day, but it is something innate. Not all people feel this way. I get comments all the time in reference to the fact I usually always answer my baby sister's calls (which often can be rather needy requests). This is not something that is negotiable: I am there for my family, no matter how crappy our relationships, pasts, and situations may be. Period.

My family is tiny and dysfunctional. Most people say that, and sometimes it is true, but mine are truly larger than life characters, as there are fewer characters filling the stage. This means each person fills a bigger role of importance. And part of this cast is my father. The man who wished I were a boy, and still does. The man who beat my mother as our tiny faces watched in horror. The man who paraded us around his girlfriends all disguised as ever growing adoration for us. The man who [insert horrid things, the list goes on]. That man. That man I cannot help but love and try to remember as the good father he occasionally showed us he was. He is the reason why I exist. He loves me. He is funny. He is smart. And he continues to break my heart every day. As grown as I am, as self-sufficient as I am, as loved as I am, as busy as I am, I cannot ever escape the destructive power of his situation, and by circumstance, my situation.

People have told me, "you just have to move and live you life in order to survive" or "you've done all you can do" or "he can't be helped unless he wants help" and other similar statements of resolve and encouragement. Well, I speak from experience and say: That does not work. You can do as stated above, but every day, little moments are stolen by the fleeting massacre going on in your mind, in your heart and worst of all, your conscience. Logic does not conquer emotion. In 'rock, paper, scissors,' emotion is the scissors that cut right through that paper, logic. Its useless.

One must learn to live with the reality. I will survive. It is those moments stolen from me by my father that won't.

"Listen with your Eyes" @ Solstice Cafe 8/7 Opening

2009-08-09T00:10:00.005-04:00

"Listen with your Eyes", originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Thanks all who came out to support us! Sold one both pieces. It was either my talent or my sob story that I need another car...hmm... Probably the latter, but I'll pretend the former.

SAAM Jean Shin Exhibit

2009-08-05T22:58:00.001-04:00

SAAM Jean Shin Exhibit, originally uploaded by Mr. T in DC.

I found this interesting.

Caution: artist working

2009-08-05T18:29:00.002-04:00

Caution: artist working, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Just me working on some recent paintings. I am attempting to make myself ambidextrous by using my left hand. Results inconclusive.

Flickr! Updates almost daily!

"Eye Food" my Etsy shop!

Twitter! Follow me!

Become a Fan on FACEBOOK!

"Listen with your Eyes" @ Solstice Cafe

2009-08-04T19:15:00.009-04:00

"Listen with your Eyes" Art Show @ Solstice Cafe in Grant Park!

Opening Friday August 7th 7pm-9pm

Featuring AWESOME local artists, including myself and fellow (perhaps) love project artists Jonathan Chang (seen left) and Eric White!

Come check out these down to earth folk, and have a drink with us!

562 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA, 30312

More info on the (perhaps) love project @:
"(perhaps) love project"

In-progress photo updates for the (perhaps) love project and my own work @:
Updated in-progress shots

Check out work I have for sale @:
"Eye Food" my Etsy Shop

Special thanks to Solstice Cafe and Erin Palovick for facilitating this event!

Solstice Cafe in Grant Park:
Solstice Cafe

The FaniNaka Show

2009-07-29T19:14:00.006-04:00

Yet another collaboration project I am trying to work on with brilliant artists. This is the art baby of Amir Khalfani. I will update when the first episode is complete.

More info on this project @:

A Mir Drawing Board

"Neural Dance 2"

2009-07-25T23:38:00.002-04:00

"Neural Dance 2", originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Finally got my Etsy shop up!

Go take a look! Heart the page!

"EYE FOOD" my Etsy shop!

ART Sale @ Colony Square - My Booth

2009-07-22T17:57:00.001-04:00

ART Sale @ Colony Square - My Booth, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Art Sale at Colony Square...trying to sell work on the cheap.

Color Bleed

2009-07-11T20:17:00.004-04:00

This is another little still film I did for the (perhaps) love project. This film is a little more abstract than the last. This film is a documentation of color as it bleeds, mixes, and changes through time. It is intended as a parallel for the chemical reactions that happen in someone when they love.

Click on the photo to watch the film. Enjoy.

For more info on the project...

"(perhaps) love project"

Check out both films through the URL...

HERE!

(pehaps) love project panel 1 a

2009-07-02T18:00:00.003-04:00

Panel bud 1 a, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

When you are busy, the key is to keep it small...

This is one of 5 small panels under way for the (perhaps) love project. The idea is that there are 4 artists and 20 panels. Each artist will begin on 5 panels. 1 of each panel will be swapped with each of the other artists, 1 panel will be continued to be worked on by the artist (a self-collaboration, if you will), and 1 will be left alone in its minimal state.

In the end we will have mini-collaborations between each artists (1 from each artist starting the work first), mini-collaborations with ourselves, and 4 single panels that will show the "seed" of each artists idea.

This is the panel I will be collaborating on with myself.

"(perhaps) love project"
and
"(perhaps) love project" in-progress shots

Triptych detail 4

2009-06-28T21:55:00.005-04:00

Triptych detail 4, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.
Stage 1 completed of the (perhaps) love project phase 2.

We have begun... a large canvas, a canvas triptych, a series of mini-board drawings, and individual work (varied, of course).

My specific focus on the project is concepts dealing with chemical reactions and the science behind "love." Included in my work are marks, movements, and imagery that 'mimic' molecular bonding, neurotransmitters, and ect.

On to Stage 2...

Check out in progress shots as we keep working:

"(perhaps) love project in-progress shots"

Cat Pillow

2009-06-26T16:20:00.001-04:00

Me and Kitty, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Many of us share this rediculous and illogical love for our pets, and I thought I would share mine.

She really does not want me laying on her, but she tolerates it out of devotion.

<3

2009-06-20T02:04:00.002-04:00

Today I look like my father.

Collab24b

2009-06-18T19:24:00.003-04:00

Collab24b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Collaborative work of Krystal and I

Second stage

In-progress shots of Krystal and I's collaborative work

Drawing bud 1 c

2009-06-15T22:11:00.003-04:00

Drawing bud 1 b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

A solo drawing in progress for the (perhaps) love project

http://projectperhapslove.blogspot.com/

Free=good

2009-06-11T19:02:00.004-04:00

Thank you Beyond.com for my 250 FREE business cards! It does get tiring drawing, painting and writing my own. My handwriting is also terrible - not a great selling point!

I worry, thank god

2009-06-10T00:30:00.006-04:00

Lately I have experienced what many people take advantage of every day. I have had the priviledge to live a "balanced" life. What an amazing feeling. I am so elated by the mundane. I say this is a privilege because it is. So many people in industrialized countries live as is they are entitled to health, time, work, housing, food, comfort, and family. These things are not ours to always have. Not all of us are born and given these precious things. Some of us have to work 20 times harder to reach equilibrium. I often am reminded that I am one of these people. There is an upside to this. I beleive, maybe falsely, that I am more appreciative of these precious things I have listed above than most. I listen to the "gripes" of people around me, and I wonder if that "gripe" ever even entered into my radar. Often times the answer is no. I wasn't worried about my GPA, I was worried about my father's blood alcohol level (at the same time maintaining a high GPA). I was never one to be concerned with fashion labels or impressing people. I usually was worried whether or not I would be able to afford any clothing at all. Even the thrift store shirts that cost $.50. I usually was wondering how I was to pay my bills that month, if my spoouse was happy, and wondered whether my family would make it.

My point is sometimes we forget to be thankful for the KINDS of worries we have. Some are superior to others. Analyze your own concerns: Do you worry about paying your rent or whether or not you get that internship? Which one REALLY is more dire? If you don't get that internship, will you be homeless? What about that GPA? Should you be thankful you even have the opportunity to have such things as "GPA"s, to be educated at all? We all say we work for what we have, but do we really? Have you? Look around, and be thankful. You are not entitled. Maybe just lucky.

I feel I am lucky. I am lucky to, at this moment, to have what I have. I have worked for every last stitch of it, but I am still lucky to have had the opportunity. I am so thankful to have what I have, so very very thankful. I have strived for the balanced life, the life I see so many has had given to them. Although nothing good ever lasts, I am taking in every second of this fleeting balanced life of mine.

"Portrait of a boy wearing a mask holding a rifle"

2009-06-04T17:15:00.001-04:00

Portrait of a boy wearing a mask holding a rifle, originally uploaded by Powerhouse Museum Collection.

Interesting photo

http://www.flickr.com/powerhouse_museum

Locked out from my love

2009-06-04T14:24:00.004-04:00

My precious cat and I have been separated. I have locked myself out of my own bedroom, as my cat calls for me on the other side. I tried desperately to create a tool to break in and force screwdrivers to unlock the door and free my little pet. All attempts failed. I await my hispanic maintaince man hero to set her free, and then give a her a good pet (he absolutely adores this cat). Then, he shall conclude with an excited, "bueno!" as he does when he has finished a task in the apartment!

We will see how this drama unfolds. :)

Collab24a

2009-06-02T18:30:00.002-04:00

Collab24a, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

A new collab piece:

We will see what happens to it Thursday, which is the day it no longer will mine but instead another animal

Camera

2009-06-02T16:41:00.008-04:00

I finally have purchased a digital camera, after years of borrowing. I actually realized that we borrowed this one video camera/digital camera (back in the day when cameras were not video but video was camera) for over 3 years, and technically, we did not own it. Weird.

I looked around for a while, read JD powers reviews, and researched deals all over. None of that helped, I was still just as clueless. Even more maddening is I found out a few weeks ago that this one Wolf camera location put a $500 DLSR camera on sale for $230...whoa! and of course, I missed it.

So I bought one that seemed like it had the features I wanted and lacked the ones I didn't. What is funny is it claims to "perform like a DLSR" without the DLSR price and bulk. It sold me!

The jury is still out, but hopefully it will have been a good investment. I am going to re-shoot, and re-document alot of my artwork, which seems to be a great way to break in a camera and analyze its performance.

Collab19b- the aftermath

2009-05-24T19:55:00.002-04:00

Collab19b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Refer to earlier post "Collab19a". This is what happened after I decided to go ahead and collaborate on this piece. A very good decision. This makes me understand the importance of filtering other's opinions. This piece actually turned out to be one of Krystal and I's more successful works. I will post the finished version soon.

Chance is such an amazing tool.
We rarely think of chance as a tool.
Sometimes, tools are not meant to be controlled.

Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville, GA

2009-05-24T01:02:00.002-04:00

Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville, GA 1, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Lovely Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, GA. Beauty surrounds us.

Ignorance is not bliss. It is ignorance.

2009-05-24T00:58:00.002-04:00

Just because you sweep dirt under a rug, doesn't mean the dirt is no longer there. And what if you have no rug?

stalagmite and water stain

2009-05-03T22:29:00.002-04:00

stalagmite and water stain, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

this looks alot like some elements that are in my work right now. really interesting.

Nature's "Dot Paintings"!

2009-05-01T20:13:00.003-04:00

Nature's "Dot Paintings"!, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This is a massive rock/boulder from Rock City in Chattanooga, TN. This looks eerily similar to some work I did last year, my wax data plots. Everything comes back around, I guess. The universe is circular, and anything but linear.

"Positron Emission Tomography Tickles" detail

2009-04-27T00:14:00.002-04:00

"Positron Emission Tomography Tickles" detail, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This tiny detail of a drawing documents a moment of intimacy with myself. I smile every time I look at it.

"Sulci City"

2009-04-24T16:17:00.002-04:00

Micro-world 2, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

this was fun

watercolor, pen on vellum

painting 1 b

2009-04-21T00:08:00.001-04:00

painting 1 b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

I painted the entire black/grey "atmosphere" area with my left hand. This is my sad effort to become ambitextrious. Results inconclusive. :)

2009-04-14T21:51:00.007-04:00

I have decided to no longer apologize, feel bad, or guilty for being poor, in love, and trying to live a difficult life that will bring me joy. Yes, I have been lucky but people are lucky in all sorts of things: it is up to YOU to look around you to recognize your own riches, whatever that may be, and to take advantage of them. Yes, I have chosen a difficult path, which means sacrifice. Yes, it is true, I have chosen an even more difficult path on top of the already stressful, difficult life I was born with. But the truth is what I will put in now will pay off later in my life, if I am so lucky. So many people expect instant gratification for thier work and efforts. A truly meaningful life does not fit into this expectation. I have known those who complain about having to earn thier career, food, housing, art supplies, and everything else, as if that is owed to you? We all want to earn our keep in this world by doing what we love, but we need to WORK to get to a place where we are lucky enough to earn money AND fulfill our happiness. In the meantime, you are not a victim. If I were to look at my 10 years of working like that, I would have shot myself in the temple already. I have had to work for every stitch of clothing, every grocery item, everybill, every paintbrush, every particle of heated air in my own home for years, this is all while trying to maintain a life : friends, family, environment, and not to mention this little thing called college and ART. I can say I am done apologizing for having a hard life and have (possibly) coming out on the other side better for it. For those of you just now having to earn your way through life (whatever that means: money, career, responsibility, art), figure it out but do not blame the rest of the world for your position. Consider yourself lucky enough to NOT to have had to do that your entire life. Consider yourself lucky enough to have been born into a world that allowed you the ability to worry/work on a handful things in your life at a time, opposed to carrying a crippling weight on your shoulders, as I have for years. We all are lucky in our own way, and in the areas you feel luck has not touched you, MAKE your own luck. Maybe I have been hardened by my stressful life, but I feel I have earned anything blissful that has come my way. I have debt, both theoretically and financially, that I must pay for my bliss. Nothing is life is free, really, and for my life I have consequences. Be thankful, and make your own way. I have decided to celebrate my accomplishments and failures alike, because without them, I would be you instead of me, and that would be tragic.

Collab19a-I think

2009-04-12T14:19:00.002-04:00

Collab19a, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Collab piece that has not been "collaborated on" yet:

To pass this to collaboration, or not to? This is the first time I have encountered this problem. I think I will, it was just the the feedback to keep it as my own threw me off guard. That thought had not occurred to me until that point.

But, as always, little seeds of future exploration have been implanted.

Spiral Rope

2009-04-09T13:21:00.005-04:00

Spiral Rope, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

irish hand-binding ceremony rope from our wedding

Jennifer@Mason Murer

2009-04-07T20:13:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robingillis/3421946451/, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

As I watched my friend gaze at this beautiful painting, I thought about the state of "wonder." What a great feeling, to be in amazement. As artists, I feel it is more rewarding to try and be in a state of wonder than to pursue causing wonder. To cause awe has it's benefits, but maybe it is more impression than reality that fuels that idea. But curiousity, satisfaction, knowledge, and intoxication fuels the pursuit of wonder. I feel this is the worthier goal.

"The Fugue Must Go On"

2009-04-05T02:08:00.001-04:00

"The Fugue Must Go On", originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

4/3- Collage opening

Collab10c

2009-03-25T18:59:00.001-04:00

Collab10c, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

my favorite collab piece to date

collaboration crit

2009-03-24T11:44:00.001-04:00

collaboration crit, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

here you are paul!

the inspirational force behind it all

Alarm

2009-03-23T10:59:00.006-04:00

I awoke to the sounds of bats and birds chirping in my building today. Bats used to live in swarms at my grandmothers house, so I know thier sounds quite well. As a child, my grandmother and I would take graham crackers and milk and go outside after dark to sit on her front porch. we would do this all in hopes a bat would fly close enough to the street lamp and then we could get a good look at one.

Today it sounded as if the bats and birds were singing to one another.

Collab12b

2009-03-22T01:26:00.001-04:00

Collab12b, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

the collab piece we are showing at the "love (perhaps)" castleberry hill art stroll

studio

2009-03-19T22:41:00.003-04:00

studio , originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

talking it out with krystal and paul

BODIES exhibition sketch- spine

2009-03-16T22:25:00.001-04:00

BODIES exhibition sketch- spine, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

sketch of a human spine from the BODIES exhibit in Atlanta

Collab16a

2009-03-16T09:15:00.001-04:00

Collab16a, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

a favorite of some of the collaboration work with Krystal Cook. Can't wait to see what she will do to it!

old pic

2009-03-09T01:41:00.001-04:00

old pic, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

old school

needle bruises

2009-03-07T04:33:00.001-05:00

needle bruises, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

i have the tiniest veins most medical staff has ever seen, therefore drawing blood is a challenging task. took 6 tries, 1 hr, and only successful 1 full vile. this is a full week after the withdrawal. thought the skin was interesting.

Data Manipulation

2009-03-07T01:11:00.001-05:00

Data Manipulation, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

plot data with wax dots, then manipulate the wax--work i did last year

Isis the kitty

2009-03-06T17:33:00.001-05:00

Isis the kitty, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

my cat

hair

2009-03-03T03:30:00.001-05:00

hair, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

baby water droplets on my hair

soda explosion

2009-03-03T03:29:00.001-05:00

soda explosion, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

soda in the freezer

Snow Day

2009-03-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

Snow Day, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Snow in Atlanta, GA, on the tropical plants n our bulding's indoor-ish courtyard

Color Social- a love story

2009-02-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

Color Social- a love story, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

little still film i did this morning while staring at my art supplies...a story of rejection, finding love and the silver lining :)

in my head 2

2009-02-23T21:51:00.001-05:00

in my head 2, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

mixed media- wax and pen on translucent vellum over watercolor and cut-outs....a direction i am moving towards

Mercury in thermostat

2009-02-23T01:11:00.001-05:00

Mercury in thermostat, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

this is our broken thermostat. A rare opportunity to play with mercury!

2009-02-19T23:19:00.005-05:00

There are people out there right now whose biggest concern is toe cleavage. ha.

woman

2009-02-19T21:19:00.002-05:00

woman, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

An abstract oil painting I did this past summer. It was inspired from looking at Jean Dubuffet's paintings, which I love

atlanta cityscape

2009-02-18T23:10:00.001-05:00

atlanta cityscape, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

the city in which I frolick

pasta

2009-02-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

pasta, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

just showing some appreciation for such a great companion

cemetary

2009-02-17T21:41:00.001-05:00

cemetary, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

I forgot how this cemetary brought me such peace. It is truly one of my favorite places.

1471-2202-8-27-1

2009-02-17T21:20:00.001-05:00

1471-2202-8-27-1, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

Graph (author unknown) that I found beautiful

Floor

2009-02-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

Floor3, originally uploaded by RobinGillis.

This is my concrete floor in my apartment. I just happened to catch the light doing this, so I thought I would share. Everyday I find a new pock mark on the floor that interests me (its an old factory floor)

update and the new year

2009-01-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

This week I am starting my final year in my BFA program and that feels great. It feels like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot beleive how incredibly trying college has been. Of course it might have been easier if I had chosen a different major, went to an easier school, chosen a more reasonable program, had financial help from parents and all of that, but at least at the end I can day I am damn strong and capable. I am starting to feel proud I have been able to do this with virtually no support or help, other than my husband. I do not know another student who can say that.

At the same time, the new year brings some sorrow. My baby sister had a miscarriage a couple days ago and we are all just devistated. She is already a mom (my nephew is a year old) and I think that made it more difficult, being that she (and we) know the experience and reality of a baby. Somehow that makes it more difficult than this happening before a child is already here.

I hope my sister can get through this soon, She is having a hard time, and being how close we are I am sharing the burden. We are having a hard time coming to terms with the whole situation.

Nick, the hubby, was almost laid off last month and we were scared shitless. Luckily he has been promoted instead (company restructuring, rediculous I know) and for now, we are safe. Of course its a more difficult job, but thankful to have one.

My job still sucks...stressful, but it is what it is, and I am thankful to have one at all.

Besides all the craziness that keeps coming my way, I am hoping for the best. I am going to try to make more time for friends, family, my husband, and myself.

:)

Welcome back, self

2009-01-05T06:48:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome back, self.

I have not posted in approaching three years. I guess I am due.

since the last post I have...

Moved back to Atlanta, got a new job, worked that job to death, got married, excommunicated my father, gotten married, moved, gotten a nephew, got another new job, got a pseudo neice, moved again, got a pseudo nephew, moved again, got another job, then another job, and picked up a few more, and did a whole mess of other stuff. All in while I have been in school working towards my B.F.A in Drawing and Painting at Georgia State University. I am starting my last year now, thankfully.

And now Im working like a fool to stay afloat. and Im alive, did I mention that?

Okay, for now.