Today we’d like to introduce you to Garland Robinette.
Hi Garland, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
After surviving two tours in Vietnam from 1967-68, I returned pretty messed up. I got a job at a radio station in south Louisiana as a janitor at night, which allowed me to sketch during the day. Fate handed me a career as a broadcast journalist on a silver platter, but I always kept the thread of making art. I always drew and painted each day. During Pope John Paul’s tour of the US, he stopped in New Orleans, and the archdiocese chose me to paint his official Papal Portrait. A lot of portrait work came my way after that.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Making art is demanding, but I never felt I had a choice. My road was hard. I was adopted from Texas to Louisiana when I was 5 and then added Vietnam to my trauma. I needed an outlet for my emotions; art has been that for me. It has saved me. I owe my life to my creativity, so my commitment to it isn’t something I take lightly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I paint in oil and acrylic. Most of my work is figurative and expressionistic. I occasionally created abstract work, but often there is still something from the real world in there somewhere. I take commissioned portraits and paintings, which always collaborate with my subject or the person or designer commissioning the work. Many artists don’t like commissioned work, and I am the opposite. I love creating for specific people and spaces. It’s about getting into a “we” space with others. Often the work is better because of the input, and it’s always more personal. I think some of this ability comes from my time in broadcasting, working on teams. Painting is a solidarity activity, so I enjoy the camaraderie when I collaborate.
What makes you happy?
The simplicity of my home, wife, studio, dog, and pickup truck makes me happy. I have traveled the world and had a fascinating life, so happiness is right here on canyon road in the middle of Texas.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Robinettestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegarlandrobinette/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garland.robinette/
Image Credits
Artist photo by Jessica Bachman photography
