Richard Roblin couldn’t decide whether to become an architect or develop as an artist. So he did both and now his works embellish the walls and floors of homes and corporate offices throughout North America.
Roblin’s artworks have hung on gallery walls in Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Toronto, Bermuda, San Francisco, Sarasota and he is widely exhibited and collected in public and private collections throughout North America including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and an installation on a yacht in Bermuda. He has collaborated with architects and designers to provide site-specific artworks and undertaken major commissions for corporate and private collectors. He recently completed a commission for Toronto art collectors and donors, Joey and Toby Tannenbaum. His contemporary hand woven rugs of wool and silk adorn floors in projects where he’s collaborated with architects and designers such Jean-Michel Laberge, a Montreal interior architect, who markets ‘Artwork Roblin Rugs.’ His journey as an artist has taken him throughout North America, Europe, the Orient and India.
That’s why the Art Rental and Sales program (ARS) is proud and fortunate to have Roblin as its ‘featured artist” until mid-September. His passion for creative activity extends through his practice of architecture, design, sculpture and painting that he does from the Cowichan Valley home and studio he designed and built. He produces large-scale works that ARS wouldn’t ordinarily be able to accommodate in its limited showroom at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
“We had some of Richard’s smaller pieces in our collection,” explains Donna Partridge, manager of the Art Rental and Sales program. “Because we couldn’t house his large works here, this was an opportunity not only to give him Vancouver exposure but also to have his larger work exhibited for our clients and visitors to see. Richard’s work keeps the showroom walls focused while giving clients a glimpse at work we identify as significant.”
And, she adds, this exhibition marks the inauguration of a “featured artist series” that will happen four times a year in the showroom.
Richard Roblin’s connection to architecture and art began early on. “From the early days when I started to paint, I painted what was primarily the structure of nature and how it translated into the structure of creation itself – the creation of buildings and environments,” he said. “That’s always been my primary interest in life, discovering new ways of creating environments that instill contemplative and inspirational spaces with a passion for beauty.”
Roblin’s inspiration comes from Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of integration, ’nothing is separate from nature,’ as well as from others such as Luis Barragan of Mexico for whom the natural environment, meditation and geometry coexist.
“Richard is a gifted abstract expressionist whose work is perfectly suited for our ARS program,” adds Partridge. “I think his career is really beginning to bloom. If you want a Roblin piece, now is the time to purchase one.”
Roblin’s works in the showroom range in price from $3,000 ($80 a month rental) to $9,200 ($195 a month rental). And, if there’s a work you must have from his website ( HYPERLINK "http://www.richardroblin.com" www.richardroblin.com), Art Sales and Rental will bring it into the showroom for you to see and arrange purchase.
It’s the ideal time to experience Richard Roblin’s distinctive style of painting, and his extraordinary skill as ARS launches its ‘featured artist series.’
Pat Preston
Art Rental & Sales is proud to present, Cam Andrews, as our feature artist from October the 28th until February 2nd in our showroom. 
