Robby Sculpture

My work is in twilight, it appears to be……but it's not. Since I started making, playing with form, context, function and non-function has been central to my work. Archetypes and objects with historical, nostalgic or emotional value fascinate me. The narratives they carry, the typical signs of time. This lead to an ever-growing series of unique and handmade sculpture objects made from resin. Grabbing volume and form with just an open skin. You recognize them, but they are confusing at the same time. This ambiguity fascinates me. Seemingly clear and obvious objects now carry a double message. I carefully select the objects and narratives I refer to. I remake and transform them into something else. I am intrigued by the archetypical and classical ceramic vases. Originated among the Far East and ancient Europe. I started challenging their function, material and history. Originally this kind of classical vases were not only functional vessels but also ‘canvases’ displaying contemporary drawings, symbols and representations of their time. Working with resin instead of ceramic gives me freedom and instant expression in a three-dimensional way. It allows me to work with open skins, a variety of structures and layer upon layer, creating a thick and almost crude surface. Like three-dimensional painting where the object, shape and mold are my canvas, playing their own part. I developed a unique resin technique. With each vase or object, I follow a process – from an idea, a collage or sketch, to preparing and making a mold, mixing colors with various pigments and making the sculpture by drawing, painting, splattering and squirting the resin on the mold. In the end I take the mold out and the sculpture stands on its own. Endless possibilities for construction and structure are merged into one single material. Born (1972) and raised in Dokkum; the northern part of the Netherlands. I studied in the south, at The Design Academy in Eindhoven. Exchanges to Seattle, Barcelona, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Since 2000 working and living in the harbor city Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where I have my workspace Straatsmastudio.