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About Robin Light

 

My paternal grandmother, Evelyn Light, (top left photo, with me circa 1978), was an accomplished watercolour artist. From what I understand, she was always on the lookout for grandchildren who shared her love of painting.

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I remember her first putting a brush in my hands when I was about seven years old.



My maternal grandmother, Grace "Danny" Davidson, (bottom left, circa 1937) also encouraged any and every artistic ambition. Though she never painted herself, in every care package sent to Mum, (mostly filled with newspaper clippings and books) there were always art supplies tucked away for me.



Added to these influences was a youthful obsession with Bob Ross and his series, "Joy of Painting", (still a fantastic show - go check it out on Netflix. I'll wait here). 



I had, during my teenage years, put away the watercolours and delved into acting and writing. When I painted, which was infrequent, I used acrylics and from time to time indulged myself in the idea of being a grand political artist. I would mural like Diego, be as controversial as Pablo, and have much better eyebrows than Frieda! My paintings would make the viewers weep!



I made a few landlords weep at the splatter on the walls, but that was about it.  



And I discovered that I wasn't meant to be a political artist after all - being so angry about everything all the time just made me tired. 



It wasn't until after the death of both grandmothers (and good old Bob) that I picked up my watercolours again. I had found an old paint set tucked away at the same time my mother suggested I come out to the Shuswap for a week. I could use the break, having just finished university, and Karin Huehold was leading a watercolour workshop.



She reminded me of the joy that could be had in watching the colours bloom across papers, and  I could feel both Ev and Danny leaning over my shoulder. I began to paint more and more, and taught my nieces what I had been taught two decades earlier. I have attempted to teach my nephew - and still have hopes. But for right now he says painting is 'stressful' and he'd rather build with Lego, thanks.  (I can't complain - given a chance I'll happily build with Lego too)



I am inspired by the little things that make me smile - the colours in the row houses around Kensington Market in Toronto, the old neighbourhoods in Edmonton which haven't become parking lots, my beautiful prairies - never dull or boring, despite their stereotype. If you watch them closely they are alive in the most astounding, and subtle way.



If you've made it this far - Phew! Brave you! Thank you for your interest, I hope my paintings make you smile, like they have done me.