BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
Strange by definition means “unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand.” Well, unsettling is probably the last word that comes to mind when we look at the stunning original work of Denver artist Marsha Robinson. Unusual? Indeed, because her creations are unmatched. Upon looking at her collection, the name Strange Dirt takes on a whole new meaning. It conjures the scent of soil after the rain and the beauty that comes from everything that grows from the earth. Her bohemian botanicals are not of this world, which makes it even more necessary to hang her art on the wall or wear it around town. Marsha took the time to give us a bit of background to her story and how Strange Dirt was born.
Upon looking at one of your creations, it is almost hard to believe that you didn’t put in years in art school, but rather are self-taught. Can you tell us how that journey began?
The journey that led me to be the artist that I am today was kind of a lengthy one. All through my early childhood years until my young adult life, I’ve always been somewhat involved in making art. After graduating high school I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA but decided it wasn’t for me so I dropped out which then led me to community college. It didn’t take me long to drop out from there as well. I decided school wasn’t for me and picked up various 9-5 jobs. Throughout the years, with the free time that was given to me, I experimented with different mediums, subject matter and styles. Trying to find my voice in the work was fun and I did my best to keep my creative mind busy and active. Diligence and patience were my teachers and in due time I found my signature style and developed an aesthetic that was my own. The world of flora fascinated me and combining Art Deco design elements into the mix felt so right and satisfying.
The detail of your work is intense and begs your audience to stop and take the time to savor every element. We love how you combine the delicacy of petals with bold lines of art deco. What inspired your rare design?
Your question pretty much sums up what inspires me. The soft and organic nature of the botanicals embraced by the structured and masculine personality of the Art Deco elements creates a perfect balance within the work. My focus is to create balance and harmony in every piece that I make.
I imagine you in a bright studio surrounded by earthy, fragrant plants and a strong bohemian vibe. Do you have a routine when you work? How long does a piece like “I Am Her” take you?
I have a pretty loose routine when it comes to being in the studio but my process in creating work is very much set. I’m not much of a sketcher so when I start on a piece it’s really the beginning of an original piece. In pencil, I start with a single line drawn (vertically or horizontally) in the center of the paper and from there I kind of layout the lines that will soon guide the whole piece. I usually focus on the design portion first and than fill in the negative space with the flora. I then go over all the graphite with microns and lay down the colors in ink. The ‘I Am Her’ piece took about 6 months to complete . . . granted it would’ve been done a lot sooner if my time spent on it wasn’t so spread out. With having to maintain the other aspects of my career, like marketing, production, etc., it’s not easy to just solely focus on the creative side of things. There so many moving parts.
Your creations prove that the Denver art scene is brimming with a pool of unsurpassed talent. Who are you inspired by locally?
I’m inspired by so many amazing people in this city, and not all of them are necessarily artist/makers. It wouldn’t be fair to name just a few and to name all who inspire me and why would be too lengthy.
Strange Dirt has gone beyond just fine art prints, but you can also find your designs on patches, glassware and textile prints. As a child of the 70s and 80s I am no stranger to patches on jackets and to see that again fills my soul. How did you decide on this medium?
The patches for me is a way for my work to be easily accessible to every one in any demographic. And it gives the buyer the freedom to choose where my work goes.
Your botanicals are whimsical, but at the same time have an accuracy in the details. Do you have a background in horticulture?
I wish I had a background in horticulture. To be quite honest I’m not at all educated in the anatomical functions of plants. I actually view my botanical creations as soft structures where I can play with their folds, bends, textures and movement. It helps to know the basic components of a flower and how they all fit to one another. I’m actually close friends with a truly talented and legit botanical illustrator and she helps validate my work by sharing with me how much she enjoys it .
When you’re not working on your art, how do you spend your time?
I Especially like to spend my time hanging with my dear friends and making new ones. I love to cook, watch movies, spending hours roaming antique malls, exercise…traveling. I do all the things a normal human would do to pass the time.
To learn more about Marsha and her expansive collection, check out strangedirt.com. She has plans to collaborate with other phenomenal female artists in the near future and we are downright impatient to see her new concepts come to life.