The Art of Domestic Environmentalism Along The Ocean's Edge

by Robin Pierson

I am in love with Ocean
lifting her thousands of white hats
in the chop of the storm,
or lying smooth and blue, the
loveliest bed in the world.

From "Ocean" by poet Mary Oliver

Like Mary Oliver, I am always drawn to the ocean. On any given day, you can find me and my rescue dog Savannah walking along the beaches of the Cape Cod Canal scouring for hidden treasures.

I see beauty in each broken shell and worn piece of driftwood. These treasures find a home in my unique pieces of decorative window art.

After our walk along the beach, Savannah and I return to our studio in the Gray Gables neighborhood of Bourne, MA to begin our day of creating.

I'm never sure what I'm going to make. I let a stone or a shell talk to me, inspire me, and tell me where it should be and what it should become a part of - a delicate piece of window art, like one-of-a-kind shutters or maybe a unique mirror.

Creating unique and beautiful things was always my passion, but not always my work.

In 2003, after a series of personal losses, I realized that life was not forever and that sitting at a desk for eight hours waiting for the day to end was not how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. So after much soul searching, I left my corporate job of over 13 years to venture out on my own.

And I have never been sorry.

I took the plunge and started a business called Robin's Nest Interiors. Focusing on decorative and faux painting with a specialty in the painting of existing kitchen cabinetry allowed me to be creative while also supporting myself. The business was terrific, but something even more creative was still calling me.

During the evenings, I began experimenting with window art and incorporating found objects into each design.

Then, in the winter of 2008, while on a vacation trip to Key West, FL, I took a leap of faith and entered a local art show. That's when I realized that people really appreciated my "art". This inspired me on the journey into creating custom art pieces. The ocean had brought me home to my true calling. I now participate regularly in juried art shows on Cape Cod in the summer and in Key West in the winter.

Shop owner Suzie Nickerson of Pentimento in Chatham says, "Robin's work comes from her heart, and everything she does has a special touch. Her work embraces all the beautiful aspects of nature…the flow and the colors of sand and tide."

My line of art work continues to evolve. The name of my business is now Reflections by Robin and marries my love for decorative painting and for turning window art into more functional pieces, like mirrors and small pieces of furniture.

I will take a customer's found "treasures" such as shells from a vacation, or old jewelry from a mother's jewelry box, to create what I call a "Memory Windows."

People keep lots of things stowed away in boxes because, for sentimental reasons, they simply cannot part with them. I transform such treasures into a piece of art they can enjoy every day.

I also teach my technique to others in my studio in Bourne. Besides sharing my ideas and technique, I hope to be a source of inspiration for others. I want people to see that they, too, can create something new and wonderful - like what I do with my art and with my life!

To see more of Robin's work visit www.robinpierson.com

For upcoming shows visit her Calendar of Events

All images published courtesy of Robin Pierson.

www.robinpierson.com

Robin Pierson is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and studied decorative painting at the Rhode Island School of Design.

She is trained and certified as an Interior Redesign Specialist (I.R.I.S) by JoAnne Lenart-Weary, founder of "One Day Decorating" and received training in cabinet artistry at Garay Artisans of Orlando, FL.

Robin is represented by several fine shops and galleries. She shares her love for her art with others by teaching classes at her studio in Bourne, MA.

Visitors are always welcome by appointment. Call 508-944-4769.

For upcoming shows visit her Calendar of Events.

Visit Robin's website: www.robinpierson.com