Get to Know: Robert Duxbury

In anticipation of our first ever print release with renowned artist Robert Duxbury, we sat down with him to learn about his life and work.  Take a look below:

Where were you born and where are you now?

I was born in the UK but grew up in Australia. I am now based in Melbourne Australia.

What are your first artistic memories?

Some of the most significant memories around art from my childhood involve illustrations from books I read. I distinctly remember a picture book on Greek mythology depicting classic stories such as Jason and the Golden Fleece. Fantastical images of Chimeras, harpies and serpents.

How has your style evolved from over the years to now?  Have you always dealt with the same themes?

My style took a drastic change about 4 years ago when I transitioned from street art to a studio based practice. My street art was very surface level, more about aesthetics and not really exploring any real ideas or concepts. I now have the time and flexibility in the studio to dig a little deeper and explore more.

What is a normal day like in the studio for you?

When I start a new painting I usually go into a deep flow state for the first two days, sometimes working 10 hours at a time then slowing down and eventually painting half days towards the end of a painting.

What is the hardest part of creating a work?

The hardest part of creating work for me probably happens at the conceptual stage. It's easy to get stuck on a certain rigid idea of what a painting should be and this can limit the painting's potential and I often have to remind myself to open myself to possibilities and follow my gut instinct when conceptualizing.

And what is the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part for me is when my paintings resonate with my audience. If just one person can connect with my painting on an emotional level then I feel like the painting has served its purpose.

When you're not working in the studio, what are you up to?

Usually spending time with friends. It can feel quite solitary working in a studio at a desk for days at a time so it's important for me to be around people to feel balanced.

What can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2022?

One thing in particular I am looking forward to working on soon is a special project with Melbourne musician, Georgia Knight.  I can't say too much about this project at this point but I'm excited to be working with another artist who shares the same deep rooted hauntingly melancholic moods and feelings as I.

"Lamb" will be available Thursday, July 21st, 2022 at 1PM Pacific.