Robbin Trotter

Year of birth: 1989.
Where do you live: Brooklyn, NY. 
Your education: Fashion Design at the Art Institute of New York.
Describe your art in three words: multifunctional, playful and unique.
Your discipline: I create interdisciplinary visual art.
Website | Instagram

Your journey began in fashion design but later transitioned into visual art. How has your background in fashion influenced your artistic style?

Art was actually my first love while fashion design was my first professional pursuit. I went back to art looking for inspiration for my fashion line but then I just stuck to art completely. My artistic style comes from my personal style.

You often use recycled materials in your artwork. What inspired you to incorporate sustainability into your creative process?

I’ve always created things out of random objects that I had on hand since childhood. Experimenting and figuring out my art as I go along is how I end up with unused mixed paint that dries out or crafts that don’t look the way it was intended to. But I realized that anything can be art. So as long as I collect dried unused paint and don’t throw away failed projects I never have to feel guilty about wasting materials. HAHA!

Robbin Trotter | heART | 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic inspired you to create functional art pieces. Can you tell us more about your art decor line and the asymmetrical mirrors?

COVID-19 lockdown scared me into believing that my art would not sell because it was not considered a necessity. Still determined to launch; I decided to create something that people actually used. I came to the realization that people don’t leave the house without looking in the mirror so I started creating them! My struggle with precision in my craft caused me to lean into organic shapes for my mirror frame design which made me realize that they could be hung several different ways and the designs can be one of a kind. This means no two people will get the same design. I mean everybody likes to feel special right? They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and hang between 2-4 different ways.

Your artworks combine literal and abstract approaches. How do you decide when to lean toward one style versus the other?

My literal approaches are meant to be playful and pretty straightforward. My abstract work sends a message that at times is more personal. Both are meant to make you think deeper. Both are chosen based on the mood I am in. I can be as transparent as I like but you have to figure out the message on your own! Hehe!

Robbin Trotter | Wave | 2019-2023

The use of bright, saturated colors is a key feature of your work. What role do colors play in expressing the themes you explore?

The subject matter of my work often involves nature so naturally the colors I use are bright. But overall I am drawn to brights and pastels so the goal is for those colors to stand out. I just like the art to really pop.

You describe your work as reflecting ‘what life feels like or what it should feel like.’ Can you elaborate on this idea and how it influences your creative process?

Life mirrors plant life in all aspects of the growth process. I also think the same applies to alcohol consumption and addiction. It feels like creators benefit in their creative pursuits just as much as they suffer. Either way it signifies a growth of something impressive or a tragedy.

Robbin Trotter | Agave Have It | 2023

As an artist residing in Brooklyn, how does the local art scene inspire or shape your work?

Brooklyn’s local art scene does not influence my art as much as my personal life does. But the majority of the art, artists and art events I am exposed to is in the heart of Brooklyn. I am more so exposed to the culture while still maintaining my own aesthetic.