Robyn Blair Davidson On The Success Of “by robynblair,” Using Candy For Her Pop Art & More
“by robynblair” was born when Robyn Blair Davidson decided to turn her candy obsession into literal works of art. A customizable vessel designed to display and showcase your sweetest desires, each piece of Davidson’s pop-centric art is a fun nod to self-control, how and when we indulge, and the universal concept that one’s life should regularly be filled with sweet things.
Davidson currently resides in New York City’s prestigious Chelsea neighborhood, which is amongst some of the best art galleries in the world. With gum drops and gummy bears pouring out of jars on her kitchen counter, and lollipops and licorice stashed in drawers and consoles, Davidson decided that her home walls were in need of some further sugary goodness and adaptation.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Robyn Blair Davidson herself, who can be visited on Instagram via the @byrobinblair account, with even more info available via www.byrobynblair.com.
What was the first piece of art you created and sold?
Robyn Blair: The first piece of art I ever made was actually for myself! I designed a piece 1.5” in depth to make it thick enough to see the texture and dimension but thin enough to hang on a wall like fine art. Strategically placed Dubble Bubble and the text “in case of emergency break glass” in hot pink was the perfect fit.
I created the original — and still the most popular — piece because I love candy and it makes me happy every time I look at it. I wanted that feeling in my home and had the urge to put it on my wall, a permanent ode to one of my favorite things!
When my closest friends and family saw it, they asked if I could make a piece for them too. I posted a collection on Instagram (@byrobynblair) and everything took off from there!
When did you realize that you had something special with candy-related art?
Robyn Blair: I was overwhelmed with the excitement from people who saw my art right away and was receiving inquiries daily for commissioned pieces. I couldn’t stop smiling thinking about how happy my art was making people and I haven’t stopped since!
How would you describe your art stylistically? Fine art? Collages?
Robyn Blair: I would say pop art. In admiration of candy pop culture, my pieces are filled with brands – old and new — that have so much nostalgia. I’ve made pieces with classic candy, like Hershey Kisses, but I’ve also made nostalgic pieces filled with candy from the 1980s or 1960s. I’ve been expanding the kinds of materials in some of my commissioned work as well. Some pieces were filled with Legos, poker decks, and vintage cell phones.
Did you start out as a painter?
Robyn Blair: I was never a painter in the traditional sense, but I always loved my arts and crafts! I found collaging and painting to be therapeutic, using my hands to be creative has always sparked joy.
As an artist, do you have a lot of art on your walls at home? I ask because I’ve heard of artists whose homes do not at all reflect their careers.
Robyn Blair: Yes! Everything I had before goes with what I’ve since created — colorful, neon, and happy. I hung my first piece amongst everything else I had in my home, and it fit perfectly!
Art aside, what are your go-to candies?
Robyn Blair: Anything sour! And there’s nothing I love more than a make-your-own candy bag.
What is coming up for you work-wise in the coming months?
Robyn Blair: I’m launching a capsule collection of posters with @dormify! The messaging we used for the collection all have a positive, empowering, feel good vibe.
When not busy with your art, how do you like to spend your free time?
Robyn Blair: With my family and my friends who are family.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Robyn Blair: Billy Joel at MSG! I went with my two sisters and my dad. He’s our absolute favorite!
Finally, Robyn, any last words for the kids?
Robyn Blair: Owning your own business can be lonely. Surround yourself with supporters and positive people that have your back and want you to succeed.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
