We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robin Crookall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robin, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming impostor syndrome as an artist was a journey fueled by relentless dedication and a commitment to producing copious amounts of work. I recognize that it’s normal to be plagued by doubts and the constantly comparing myself to others. I push through these thoughts by constantly creating, which becomes a testament to my perseverance and dedication. Through countless hours of practice and a willingness to confront my insecurities head-on, I see progress in my abilities to create work that is meaningful. Self-confidence doesn’t come overnight; it was a practice, requiring patience and persistence. With each piece I created, I challenged the negative self-talk, replacing it with affirmations of my abilities and the value of my unique perspective. Today, standing amidst a body of work that reflects my journey, I understand that self-confidence is not a destination but a continual practice, nurtured through hard work and unwavering belief in myslef.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My art work is a blend of sculpture and photography. The subjects of my images are assembled sets of exteriors and interiors, with an accumulation of objects culled from my immediate surroundings, and imagination. I am specifically drawn to the mid-century modern archetype, for its “All-American,” familiar atmosphere. With a collage of elements, my work creates scenes consisting of part fact and part aspect. My images are constructed architectural models that I build, photograph, and enlarge. For these models, I primarily use cardboard, tape, and hot glue; unsophisticated materials that retain a certain cogency and drabness when captured in a photograph. These unpretentious components aid the viewer in feeling the uncanniness in the picture. Focusing on subjects like the corner of a room or the facade of a house, the images showcase environments that are at once familiar and safe, underwhelming and routine, creating something broadly accessible. What the audience sets out to experience in the photograph changes in perspective from visualizing the subject as an actual photographed place as opposed to seeing what is really its scale-model counterpart. The experience results in the viewer questioning the preexisting notions of reality, memory, and place. Complex abstractions result in the intersection and overlap of those perceptions. The photograph is the ideal pedestal for these concepts, for its singular capacity for both depiction and deception. If you can’t trust your own eyes, then you can’t trust your own definition of place. And where are you supposed to exist at the plane of the image if all that grounds you, is slowly dissolving away? The pursuit of the uncanny drives me to accentuate the absurdities inherent to representation. By building and photographing models, this further creates the disorientation of space, time and scale, to create a particular kind of illusion. Not the big flashy kind, where an elephant disappears right before your eyes, but the subtlety of the card-counter, the sleight of hand, and unnoticeable graceful dance of the pickpocket. I am not a wizard, there is no real magic here. The best tricks are the ones we don’t even see.
I currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, and I’m preparing for a 2024 fellowship at LightHouse Works on Fisher Island, NY, a residency at Light Work in Syracuse NY, and an exhibition at Catskills Art Space in Livingston Manor, NY. I have a solo exhibition at Morris Adjmi Architects, which opens May 1st, 2024 and runs through June 26, 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three skills have been instrumental in my artist journey, shaping both my growth and confidence along the way. Firstly, the relentless production of work has been paramount. Through consistent practice and experimentation, I honed my craft, each creation serving as a stepping stone towards mastery. Secondly, studying the works of others in my field provided invaluable insights and inspiration. By analyzing techniques, styles, and concepts, I expanded my artistic vocabulary and discovered new avenues for expression. Lastly, being open to guidance and critique has been transformative. Embracing feedback from mentors and peers, I learned to view criticism as constructive rather than detrimental.
For those early in their artistic journey, I’d advice to prioritize consistent practice and quantity of work over perfection. The more you create, the more you learn and improve. Secondly, immerse yourself in your artistic community. Study the works of others in your field, seek inspiration, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or feedback. Lastly, cultivate an open mindset towards critique and guidance. Embrace feedback as a tool for growth rather than a judgment of your worth. By focusing on these aspects, you’ll not only develop your skills but also build confidence in your artistic path.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have been incredibly impactful on my art practice by providing unwavering support and granting me the freedom to explore my creativity. From a young age, they encouraged me to pursue my artistic passions, providing me with the tools and space to express myself freely. Their belief in my abilities instilled confidence in my work and fueled my motivation to push boundaries and experiment. Whether it was enrolling me in art classes or simply cheering me on from the sidelines, their encouragement has been a constant source of inspiration, empowering me to pursue my artistic dreams with enthusiasm and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robincrookall.com
- Instagram: @robincrookall
Image Credits
Anita Goes – (Personal photo, and images 1 & 2 in Additional Work) Robin Crookall – (images 3-7 in Additional Work)
