Robin Wilson
Born in 1984, Robin Wilson is a native of Inkster, Michigan. She is an educator, artistpreneur, author and multidisciplinary visual artist. She is the author of two children’s picture books-” Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme” and “Jazz-A-Bet: An Original Jazz Alphabet.” Her most recent work has been translated into Portuguese and published in Salvador, Brazil. It will soon be available in the United States.
Working in abstract, collage, and fiber, Robin's textile practice analyzes African American family traditions, historical lineages, and cultural inheritances through applications of memory, research, and storytelling.
Robin creates what she calls crocheted story quilts that are a departure from conventional quilting practices. She combines the art of crocheting with traditional quilting techniques to create her own style of quilt making. She is a member of the Great Lakes African American Quilters Network, and her works have been displayed throughout Metro Detroit.
Artist Statement
To be a storyteller is a powerful role and a privilege. I am an oral, literary, and visual storyteller. I come from a long line of griots, whose stories have stayed with me. They have given me insights into the past and shaped my understanding of various aspects of the present.
From a young age, I put my imagination on display by sharing oral stories with adults who would listen. Additionally, I was musically inclined, and I enjoyed singing and performing as a child. This led me to earn a scholarship in middle school to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Muskegon County, Michigan. My appreciation of music has continued to influence my work as an artist.
Today, I write poetry, children’s picture books, essays, and feature articles on topics that range from the arts to education. In my quilt making, I incorporate writing into the design of my quilts as a way of telling a story, which is similar to the artwork of Faith Ringgold, whose quilts have inspired me. However, instead of writing words directly onto quilts, I hand cut letters from fabric and hand stitch them to my quilt borders.
Also, I use photograph transfers and various textile materials such as mud cloth, cotton, ribbons, and African fabrics to create narratives. I create largely from an intuitive place—in the sense that I do not use quilting patterns or draw sketches of quilts before making them. Rather, I start with an idea. The ideas are cultivated as I work, and I conduct research as needed for historical accuracy.
When I am creating my abstract and collage artwork, there is an intuition that I follow, too. As I piece together cut paper and fabrics, I make decisions along the way that yields different designs. Still, there is a story that unfolds, and emotions of joy come through my abstraction and collages. There are elements of the past and present in my collage work. Furthermore, I prefer to use vibrant colors in my designs. I will also frequently use vintage photographs in my collages and pair them with modern accents and designs.