Hello, meet Roben-Marie, a dedicated mixed media artist and instructor. Her mission is simple: to ignite creativity in others, showing them that the joy of making art doesn’t require perfection – it’s all about having a blast along the way.
Through her blog and popular online courses, Roben-Marie loves guiding artists of all levels – from total beginners to seasoned pros – on their creative journeys. Her work has been featured in various books and industry magazines, and she’s known for her engaging in-person courses, both nationally and internationally.
When she’s not in her studio creating, Roben-Marie enjoys soaking up the Florida sun with her husband of 35 years. They’re deeply involved in their church’s youth program and have a heart for mission work, having served in places like Panama, El Salvador, Romania, and Honduras.
And have you heard of The Roben’s Nest? It’s Roben-Marie’s haven for art lovers – a space where creative souls come together to explore, express, and connect. There’s always room for one more in the nest!
What does mixed media art mean to you?
To me, mixed-media art is all about having fun with creativity. It’s like a playground where I can mix and match different materials to bring my ideas to life. Whether I’m painting, collaging, or trying out new techniques in the studio, it’s always an adventure. And the best part? Sharing that excitement with others who love mixed media just as much as I do. It’s like spreading good vibes through art!
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I’ve been on this mixed-media journey for 20 years now, though it’s been a colorful ride with lots of twists and turns. It all started when I stumbled upon the world of art journaling. That’s when the spark ignited and I became fascinated with combining art and words. I delved into research, exploring everything from art journaling to stamp making, and found my groove in mixed media. That’s when I launched my own stamp company, Paperbag Studios, and began honing my style.
But you know how life goes – it’s full of surprises! In 2018, I closed my stamp company and shifted gears to teaching other mixed media artists the ins and outs of running a creative business. Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself on a new adventure, hosting an online creative community called The Roben’s Nest.
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
My art has been like a faithful companion, walking alongside me through every twist and turn of life. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about finding balance and fulfillment. As someone who values faith and community, I believe in the power of giving back. Whether I’m teaching, blogging, or just chatting with fellow artists, I see it as a way to spread positivity and support. And you know what? It’s not just about what I give – it’s about what I receive in return. The connections I’ve made, the stories shared, the encouragement received – they’ve all enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. So yeah, you could say my art has made a pretty big impact on me, in all the best ways.
Tell us about your creative process.
My creative process? Well, it’s a bit like diving headfirst into a pool of ideas and seeing where the current takes me. I’m not one for meticulously planning every step – I prefer to let my instincts guide me. So, when inspiration strikes, I gather up all the things that get my heart racing in my studio – whether it’s a stack of colorful paper, my favorite inks, or a palette of paints.
From there, it’s all about diving in and getting my hands dirty. I thrive on the energy of experimentation, so I’m not afraid to try new things or make a mess in the process. It’s all part of the fun! And you know what? I find that I work best when I have a goal in mind – whether it’s a particular project I’m working on or just a mood I want to capture.
So yeah, my creative process might be messy and willy-nilly, but it’s also incredibly freeing. It’s about embracing the chaos, trusting my instincts, and letting the magic happen.
What inspires you?
Ah, inspiration – it’s like catching fireflies on a summer night, you never quite know where it’ll pop up next. For me, it’s all about giving ideas room to breathe. I’ve learned not to rush them or question their worth too soon. Instead, I let them simmer, marinate, and unfold in their own time. It’s amazing how just giving an idea a little space can lead to something truly magical.
So, where do I find this spark? Well, nature is definitely a big one. There’s something about the way the world works, the colors, the textures, the rhythms – it’s like a never-ending well of inspiration. And then there’s books and magazines. Whether I’m flipping through the pages of a favorite novel or getting lost in the images of a glossy magazine, there’s always something new to discover.
And let’s not forget about color – oh, color! It’s like the spice of life, isn’t it? Whether it’s the vibrant hues of a sunset or the muted tones of a rainy day, color has a way of stirring something deep inside me. And texture – oh, texture! It’s like a secret language, adding depth and dimension to everything it touches.
So yeah, inspiration is all around us, just waiting to be noticed. It’s about seeing things, ideas, and even ourselves in a different light. And when you open yourself up to that, well, the possibilities are endless.
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
Creative blocks – we’ve all been there, right? When that negative self-talk creeps in, it’s like a dark cloud hanging over everything. But you know what? I’ve learned a few tricks to kick that block to the curb. Sometimes, I just need to step away and give my mind a breather. So, you might find me wandering around my favorite stores, flipping through magazines like The Simple Things or Flow Magazine, or soaking up some sun at the beach or park. It’s amazing how a change of scenery can get those creative juices flowing again.
But here’s my secret weapon: making something for others. There’s something about spreading a little love through mail art that works like magic. Spending a couple of hours creating something special to send to friends or family – it’s like hitting the reset button on my creativity. Suddenly, those blockades seem to melt away, and I’m back in the groove again. It’s funny how the simplest things can have the biggest impact, isn’t it?
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
Oh, mixed media supplies – where do I even begin? Let me tell you, paper is my absolute go-to. No matter how many other mediums I dabble in – whether it’s jewelry making, canvas painting, you name it – I always find myself coming back to paper. There’s just something about the versatility of it, the way it holds color and texture, that keeps me hooked. Plus, there’s just something irresistibly satisfying about the way paper crinkles and comes to life after it’s been painted and dried.
But you know what’s been really exciting lately? Mixing paper with fabric. It’s like discovering a whole new world of possibilities. Ever since I started exploring that combo in 2023, I’ve been absolutely hooked. There’s just something magical about the way paper and fabric play off each other, adding layers of texture and dimension to my work.
So yeah, if you ever catch me in my studio, chances are you’ll find me surrounded by piles of paper and fabric, happily lost in the creative process.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
Wow, where do I even begin? There’s a whole bunch of talented folks out there in the mixed media world that I absolutely adore. Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites and why they’re so inspiring to me.
First up, we’ve got David Pearce. His work just speaks to me on a whole other level. The way he combines marks and colors in his abstract work is so inspiring. Then there’s Joy Ting Charde, whose use of layering and depth in her florals always leaves me in awe. Each piece tells a story, drawing you in deeper with every glance.
Julie Hamilton works magic with paper – her mixed media collages are a feast for the eyes. There’s such a wonderful sense of whimsy and storytelling in each piece.
Now, Sarah Bagshaw – her work on cardboard is amazing and colorful. And of course, we can’t forget about Sarah Boyts Yoder and Lari Washburn. Sarah’s abstract compositions are like a breath of fresh air, while Lari’s intricate details and delicate touch always leave me in awe.
Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, but they all share a common thread – a passion for pushing the boundaries of mixed media art. They inspire me to think outside the box, to experiment fearlessly, and to never stop exploring the endless possibilities of this medium.
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
You know, I haven’t quite set specific art goals in stone, but if I had to envision where I’d like to take my creative journey, it’d be all about embracing the magic of combining paper and fabric even further. There’s something truly captivating about the interplay between these two mediums that I just can’t get enough of.
And speaking of challenges, I’m all in for The 100 Day Project every year. It’s like a creative marathon that pushes me to explore new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. I definitely want to keep pushing myself and see where those 100 days take me.
But you know what really lights me up? Teaching in person. There’s just something about being in the same space with fellow creatives, sharing ideas, and building that sense of community together. So, one of my big goals is to do more of that – to connect, inspire, and learn from each other in real life.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
Ooh, aside from art, there’s a whole bunch of stuff that makes me light up like a kid in a candy store! But if I had to pick just one thing, it’s gotta be food. I mean, who doesn’t love a good snack, right? Whether it’s trying out new flavors, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or just indulging in some sweet treats, there’s something about food that always puts a smile on my face. So yeah, you could say I’m a bit of a foodie at heart!
Where can we find you?
Website: https://www.robenmarie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robenmarie/
The Roben’s Nest: https://www.therobensnest.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RobenMarieSmithArt/videos
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/robenmarie/_created/
