Robbie Harmsworth

VISUAL ARTS STUDIO

Robbie is a multidisciplinary artist based in Elwood, Victoria.

She completed a Diploma of Fine Art at RMIT majoring in ceramics, and a Masters of Fine Art by Research at Monash University in 2008.

Her practice is based on an intense study of the power of myth and its universal message, and incorporates ceramics, drawing, painting and assemblage.

She began her career as a ceramist. The large sculptural works serving as the canvas onto which imagery was etched. During her period of study at Monash, Robbie was invited to change focus from sculpture to drawing and painting, essentially due to her passion for linework, which remains an integral component of her practice.

Robbie’s multidisciplinary practice reflects an enduring interest in materials and how they can be manipulated to give voice to visual expression. The investigation into the alchemical nature of encaustic, lead and paper in both two and three dimensional form is currently occupying her practice. Robbie approaches her large works on paper and linen by initially treating the surfaces with metal, pigments and binding agents: the alchemical melange acting as a trigger for the resultant work, which will be then drawn into, painted and collaged with dyed papers. Her sculptural forms are constructed from dyed papers, which have undergone a similar process to the 2 dimensional work. She has also been commissioned to make a number of large scale drawings of the environment reflecting her childhood experiences growing up in the country in Victoria.

Robbie was a finalist in the Paul Guest Drawing Prize at Bendigo Art Gallery in 2012, 2014 and 2016, and the Kedumba Drawing Award in NSW in 2014 and 2106. She exhibits regularly in solo and group shows, and recently completed a residency at Bundanon based on her drawing practice.

Her work is represented in the collections of Shepparton Art Gallery and National Gallery of Victoria.

Robbie is represented by Eastgate Gallery in Melbourne and Studio Gallery Group in Sydney and Melbourne.

Copyright of all images remains the property of the artist.