When I viewed the art created by Stacy Robinson I became a believer that there is a feature beyond the usual three dimensions we associate with art. Both her two and three dimensional creations instill the viewer with an insight into Stacy's soul. She has an uncanny ability to put a story into each piece that is easy to sense. Somehow her artworks project an emotional sensation comfortable to connect with. When I studied her works I felt like I was in some form of spiritual conversation. My conception ran from whimsical and abstract to thought provoking.
When I mentioned this impression I get from her works Stacy admitted that she does indeed create to reflect her thoughts and inner feelings on a specific matter. She relates -- "My MeeMee doll "Mother's Longing Heart" was a piece that was very cathartic for me after the death of my son."
One would have to place her MeeMees in the category of mixed media. Materials include fabrics of various varieties, bead work, feathers, metal, glass, feathers, sticks, butterflies, etc., and often with a sculpted clay face.
Stacy notes that -- "I spend hours modeling their small faces with their expressions changing constantly beneath my fingers. I think about them a lot as we work together and they stare back at me, daring me to ask more of myself. There is a connection with each of them, be it in their fanciful clothing or in their perplexed expressions."
"I have found that much of my creativity has come from my struggle with loss, grief, faith and the power of dreams. Many of my most creative periods have come from my darkest days, but that creativity has carried me back into the light. I believe that many of my paintings reflect those struggles and my ultimate strength and faith in something larger than myself in the Universe. My mixed media pieces came into being once I sat with them and made the decision to find joy once again."
Stacy was raised in Oklahoma City but likes to say she grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where she moved to in 1984 with her husband and children. It was there she first explored the big city and was opened up to new experiences, people & cultures. She moved to Dallas in 1995 and finally to Denver in 1997 where she currently resides. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia and has drawn inspiration from the ancient and mystical places she has visited. Her training at The Art Institute of Atlanta in 1986, studying interior design led to a fifteen-year career specializing in paint finishes and murals.
After reviewing Stacy's extensive resume detailing her artistic experiences ranging from home and business decorating arenas to her line of fine silver and semiprecious beaded jewelry I had to ask what moved her to creating her figurative assemblage pieces, which she calls MeeMees. Stacy had a clear and concise answer.
"My MeeMees are reflective of my tentative and hopeful nature as I find my way back into the world after being submerged in several of life's most difficult challenges. In my studio you can find arms and legs sticking out of boxes and cans, ready for assembly! They are my therapy. I sew their quirky, out of proportion bodies knowing little of proper sewing techniques. I spend hours modeling their small faces with their expressions changing constantly beneath my fingers. I think about them a lot as we work together and they stare back at me, daring me to ask more of myself. There is a connection with each of them, be it in their fanciful clothing or in their perplexed expressions. In the end, I decided I must delight in the ordinary and continually seek to find simple pleasures, mischief and joy."
Stacy Robinson has been invited to exhibit her amazing art works by the Roxborough Arts Council in the Firehouse Gallery located at the West Metro Fire District Station #15; 6220 N. Roxborough Park Road. Don't miss this opportunity to view her art and visit with Stacy during her one women show titled "
Decision to Seek Joy" that will open on Saturday, December 5. The public is invited to a wonderful reception Dec. 5, from 2 - 5 p.m. This special exhibition will be open through January the 4th. The Firehouse Gallery is open daily from 9 to 5 during weekdays and by appointment through the Roxborough Arts Council on weekends.