We sat down with sculptor Gina Lee Robbins, whose work is on exhibit at Harold Washington Library Center, to ask her about her art and inspiration.
Essential Forms: Ceramic Sculpture by Gina Lee Robbins is on display September 24 to January 15 in the Popular Library exhibit cases on the ground floor and the flat exhibit cases on the 8th floor of Harold Washington Library Center. Robbins will give an Artist Talk at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17 in the Chicago Authors Room on the 7th floor of Harold Washington Library Center.
Q: Have you always been an artist?
A: Art has always been a part of my life. I learned the value of incorporating art-making into my daily life from my mother. She always had an easel set up in the laundry room, and brought a sketch pad and watercolors on every family trip. I studied languages and literature in college, but spent most afternoons sitting on my apartment floor making jewelry and other objects out of salvaged materials and papier-mâché.
Q: Your sculptures have so much of nature in them. Do you find that you have to escape the city to get inspired?
A: I find energy and inspiration in nature. I take any opportunity I can to get into the woods or go to the beach. But if you look closely you can find a bit of nature anywhere. In Chicago, we're lucky to be on the shore of such a gorgeous lake, and to have easy access to the sanctuaries in our parks and forest preserves. But even walking down a city sidewalk, I'm drawn to the texture of a knotted tree trunk, or the wonder in a parade of insects emerging from a crack.
Q: What made you decide to work with clay?
A: I discovered clay 21 years ago, after moving to a new city. I was unemployed, didn't know anyone and had lots of time on my hands. I registered for a wheel-throwing class and ultimately got a job as a studio assistant. I was particularly drawn to hand-building and experimental firing methods. I continue to work with clay because it hasn't stopped feeling new. There are so many choices to be made through the process—materials, form, surface treatment, firing techniques, assembly—and the results always have the potential to completely surprise me.
Q: Are there any sculptors whose work has been influential to you?
A: The artists whose work I never tire of are Louise Bourgeois, Henry Moore, Mary Ann Unger and Eva Hesse. I'm also inspired by prehistoric and traditional artifacts. I love that there's so much mystery in these objects, because their function or intention is unknown, or wear and damage have left them incomplete.
