Why Artists NEED to Make Meaning 

You’re so wonderful. You put words to the silent monologue I’ve had rumbling in my head these last two years of my life. It’s only fitting that the person that inspired me to paint would inspire me to paint once again. Stay awesome ❤

I recorded this Nov 1. posted Nov 2. so, you know. time, it's an illusion.

As both a nihilist and an artist, thank you for this!!

Thanks, Robin. I am sharing this with my online students this semester... Loving the Allegory of the Cave analogy. -Aaron

Hullo Robin, I find your videos bringing me joy when you post and I get to watch your thoughts and ideas come forth. Thank you. I purchased your oil painting book, I have every intention of following your program, yet I have yet to start. I have been learning more about soft pastels and I am currently having a space problem. It seems that I only have space for one or two mediums at a time and I always have watercolor paintings to keep me going! I have been trying to get a new room for oil painting but clearing the space for the easel and paints has not been very fruitful. I hope your Art journey continues to bring you joy and thoughtfulness! I do enjoy watching your videos and seeing how you progress and bring along others with you on this life/art journey. Thank you for sharing all that you have. Please take care, be safe, enjoy your day!

I've always been told that i should go to school, get high marks and life will naturally come my way. Now, after 14 years of school, i'm standing here without anything except my degree and artistic abilities. I've never been the smartest or most diligent person. So i decided to take the leap and pursue an artistic career. It's really depressing, seeing how far everyone is ahead of you and all the catching up is really nerve wrecking. But that process is what keeps me going. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Robin, I went through this existential experience.. its frightening, and draining. People have been the most help. Meeting people who think and feel that deep and have been through that terror. Thanks you for a little bit of comfort. Ps I love your art. Period.

Very good comments as usual. Suffering is apropos to me at this time. I believe it's about contrast which is necessary to appreciate our blessings. Without heat we wouldn't know cold, stuff like that. As the Stoics said in "Amor Fati", which loosely means love your fate, ie even suffering has meaning and purpose, so make the best of it. Sometimes it sucks, and I want to know who to blame for it, but that's another topic.

Loved this video! Glad ur back :-)

Deep thoughts with Robin, I love these.

Hey Robin, fascinating video. First I've heard of the cave analogy. Thanks for sharing.

So are the shadows cast by those in the cave irrelevant? How awful for them to be standing still while the world passes them by and not being out in it and enjoying it. Also we’re they chained up and couldn’t leave if they wanted?

Wow! Way to pep talk a girl. "No purpose for suffering" Oh, how I can relate. Thanks for the topic.

The problem with the Allegory of the Cave is that anyone can claim to be outside in the Light of Truth, and everyone else who disagrees with them is in the Cave. Like me. I'm a Flat Earther, so I know that everyone else is in the Cave ;😁

My birthday was Halloween! I turned 70! Have never been happier. I am a beginner oil painter. Looking for a teacher/mentor here in Salt Lake City. Love your videos, your work, you intelligence. Wondering if you are taking on mentees? I took 3 courses from Ian Roberts this year, which covered fundamental artistic knowledge and skills. So am not a rank beginner.

Hi Robin! Thank you for making this video! It really hit home for me. I was an animation student when the pandemic hit and I had a really tough time during quarantine. I couldn't bring myself to work creatively anymore and I still struggle to work with art. Since I haven't kept up with my artistic skills in so long I suddenly have to re-learn things that I didn't have a problem with drawing before. So now the thought of getting back into art is a bit scary. I know I will most likely get back to the skill level I was at if I just draw, but I am stuck in the mindset that "It's no point, I am not as good anymore so why bother?". I am working on getting past that and I'm slowly getting back into drawing, one step at the time

Hi Robin !! I started watching your videos years ago during the time where you posted those “hoodie” skits to teach people how to make art. I took a lot of your words seriously and learnt a lot about painting techniques. Your words about how you should create art frequently and not hold back we’re 100% the reason I started painting. I’ve always been interested in art but it wasn’t until your videos that I actually felt comfortable enough to begin. That was years ago. I recently finished a beautiful portrait of one of my cats and started a commission for a friend. I was thinking about how I got to this point where art comes naturally to me without anxiety or hesitation and I just want to thank you. You really helped me to discover art and do what makes me happy :) thank you Robin. When people ask why my art is so good I give them your name and not my art teachers from high school.

Good to see ya, chic. That tale took a fresh meaning for me today. Amazing how circumstances do that. Xx

Always enjoy your posts. The purpose in life is to learn to emanate love, in all ways, to all things, all the time. For artists, emanating love through their work will bring moments where love reaches its pinnacle through the feelings of joy and bliss. I see by your videos that you are on this path.

I need to tell artists or remind those who heard it before. We as artists must show the world what we as artists only get a glimpse of. And, we only get a little bit of madness, we must not waste it

I love your perspectives on things and get so happy seeing that you posted a video!

Hi Robin!! You inspire me so much!! Your Paintings are so beautiful, i love your work so much !!

Thank you Robin, for all the recent videos and takes on life as an artist/creative. They have been uplifting for me.

Very profound, happy new year!!

It’s almost a joy watching you ponder things and ideas. Can you talk a little further on why you choose the term “create meaning “ instead of “discover meaning”.

The older I get, the more nihilistic I become.

we studied that allegory a lot in school. when you are only 10 and just want to for trail rides on your bike, you dont realize what it means yet lol

Hi Robin. Nice vid. Good to see new content from you. Shoudn't you introduce the cute dog chilling under the table too?