We first met Sallie Robbins years ago when she was the manager of an art gallery in Atlanta. Sallie is one of those people who as soon as you meet her you feel like you've known her half your life. Enjoy reading a bit more about this sweet southern girl who is an emerging artist living and working in Denver, CO.
What is currently on your nightstand?
My Ipad which I’m currently using to binge-watch The Crown and read The Girls by Emma Cline, lots of hand lotion and lavender essential oils
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Interior designers I admire, my friends and family and my environment.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I had the happiest childhood full of activities, trips, pets, friends and family. A moment that stands out was in elementary school when I was given the starring role in our class play about Clowns and my Mom let me sketch out my own costume. She had my design custom made for me to wear in the play, I felt very special!
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Does coffee count?! Probably a black ink pen or liquid gold leaf.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My kitchen! It’s small with tons of sunlight, hardwood floors, light gray cabinets, and dark gray stone tile countertops and back-splash. I’ve filled it with white platters, blue vases, and light green plants, Ina Garten inspired.
What is your biggest score online?
My gold and glass bedside tables. I’ll have them forever.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
A collective enhances the art buying process by showing the consumer how well different artists’ work complement each other, which can make an individual’s art collection full of diversity by also allowing it to maintain a consistent “look”. I will always suggest one starts small and takes the “different vignette” test in their home. If the piece can be moved around to different rooms and different vignettes and still fit well in each, then it’s a keeper!
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The Met, always. It mixes contemporary, traditional and historic art in the most glamorous way while always feeling like “old New York”. For one of our day trips in my art class at Parson’s, we spent an entire day sitting on the marble floors of the Greek and Roman Art wing where we sketched sculptures for hours and hours. Before I knew it, the museum was closing and I felt like we’d only been there for 30 minutes. The energy is special even though it’s a quiet space.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, Georgia. My parents used to pick us up from weeks at camp in North Carolina and take us straight to the Ritz for a night of indoor swimming and high tea before we headed home. It bursts old southern charm, which makes it special to me, too.
How did you get into the world of art?
My sister! Because she wanted art lessons as a kid, I wanted art lessons, etc. etc. It’s always been a hobby since I can remember. After my first job in finance didn’t work out, I started painting on the side and then joined an Art Gallery team in Atlanta. The rest is history!
What do you do to relax?
Workout, hot shower, a glass of wine, and Bravo! In that order.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
After a really great trip when I’m ready to get back in the studio.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner and drinks in a great atmosphere.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
In highschool, I painted a very impressionistic version of one of Picasso’s first Parisian paintings, “Le Moulin de la Galette”. I used oil on panels instead of one long piece and framed each panel in thin gold. It sits in my parent’s bar and makes me so happy. It’s much different than my work today but it’s full of color and makes you want to put on a fancy hat and fix a cocktail with your friends!
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Ask yourself if your children will fight over it one day. If the answer is yes, go for it.
