Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Mann
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, where my journey began with a deep immersion in Tibetan Buddhism. This early exposure shaped my understanding of mindfulness, which I further developed through years of training in Japanese archery, meditation, and flower arranging. The philosophy of “spacious mind, healthy mind” has been a guiding force in my work, leading me to incorporate the calming influence of earth tones and the simplicity of Zen art into my creative palette.
My path as a visual artist has taken me from Boulder to Los Angeles, where I currently live and work. Over the past 25 years, I’ve split my time between Los Angeles and New York City, refining my artistic voice and exploring new dimensions of expression in both cities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of being an artist is rarely smooth, and struggles are part of the process. There are few guarantees in this field, which makes the rewards even sweeter when things do align. If you’re someone who craves a “smooth road,” relying on art for comfort might not be the best path. Much of my creativity comes from living on the edge, navigating uncertainty and challenge. My work is meant to evoke calm and relaxation in the viewer, but that doesn’t mean it was created from a place of tranquility. In fact, it’s often the tension and difficulty behind the scenes that give a piece its power. Despite the challenges, I’m extremely grateful for the good fortune I’ve experienced as an artist, but it’s not easy most of the time—for me or for many others in this field.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a visual artist specializing in large abstract works that blend geometric and minimalist styles. My pieces are primarily created using earth tones, gold foil, plasters, and acrylics. I refer to my work as “Spacious Art” because it’s designed to create a sense of space or pause in the viewer’s mind. My art incorporates the spiritual elements of my upbringing along with my passion for modern and contemporary art. I’m deeply drawn to textures, depth, harmony, and composition, all of which are fundamental aspects of each piece I create.
What sets me apart from other artists is my fearless approach to space. I’m not afraid to embrace simplicity, as long as the work holds energy and power. I have a strong sense of when a piece is truly resonating, and I strive to balance space with depth in every work. The challenge of creating that balance drives me, and I don’t consider a piece finished until it achieves that sense of power and presence. This commitment to space and depth is something I’m particularly proud of in my work.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Success, in any creative field, is rarely achieved alone, and I owe much of mine to the support I’ve received over the past 25 years. I’ve been fortunate to have many friends, family members, co-workers, and colleagues who have offered love, encouragement, and the occasional push when I needed it most. While it doesn’t take much from others if you’re truly committed to being an artist, the absence of support can be devastating. I’m grateful for those who have helped keep my passion alive with a kind word or gesture.
However, at the end of the day, the work still falls on your shoulders. It’s up to you to wake up, clean your brushes, prep your canvas, and bring your vision to life. The support of others is invaluable, but the drive to create and execute comes from within.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robertmann.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertmann.studio/
Image Credits
Robert Mann
