Meet Rob Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Hill. 

Hi Rob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Being from Los Angeles, people are always finding way to stand out from the crowd. When I was in high school, I started painting on apparel and selling it around campus. I was drawn by both self-expression and aiding my mom with the bills. After graduating I joined the U.S. Coast Guard where I served for eight years. It was an impactful time in my life as I was able to learn valuable skills such as consistency and resiliency. Soon after I got out, I had an intensive stomach surgery that shifted my whole mindset. I began exploring art as a form of therapy to cope with both the surgery and getting back into civilian life. It was difficult at first to find my niche, but after relentless hours of creating art in my mom’s kitchen, I was slowly became a self-taught artist. I was painting on wood, canvases, denim, leather, shoes, silk, etc. I was developing my unique aesthetic through a wide array of surfaces. My style developed into a blend of hard-edge, geometric abstraction, and color field painting techniques. The patterns became inspired by global travel and my life experiences. The geometric shapes are linked to my affinity for historic Egyptian architecture, painting, and visual culture. By staying consistent in my craft, I got the sign that art was for me when I sold my first artwork at the TLC Chinese Theater for the Branded Arts pop-up art exhibition in Fall of 2014. Through the support of those that believe in me, it became clear that I have what it takes to not only make a difference through the power of art but also be aligned with my true passion in life. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My art journey has had its ups and downs. When I got out the military, I was I was in phase of existential contemplation, I was dealing with my surgery and figuring out how to get back to things. It was challenging and I felt like I had no clue what I was doing. I was grateful enough to have loving family and friends around me to aid me through this difficult time. As I dove into art as a means to cope, I began expressing my creativity and learning more about myself. However, during this time I was also, unfortunately, going though the loss of several of those family and friends that I was close to. They were true believers of my art, and it was incredibly hard to pick up a paintbrush after they passed. Although I was in deep sorrow, I choose to use that pain and translate it on a canvas. I pushed myself creatively in their honor because they saw something in me that I quite possibly did not see at the time. Through those experiences, I learned to never give up, to stay consistent, to focus on oneself, and to learn from one’s mistakes. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a geometric abstract artist and I specialize in design, aesthetics, and color field painting techniques. When I started my fashion brand NDSLA, I was first known as the designer who paints one-of-a-kind clothing items. I was painting high-quality t-shirts, pants, Gucci shoes, Nike’s, leather handbags, etc. I was spreading my art and people were supporting the vision. With that drive, I grew my brand and decided to expand my aesthetic onto canvas, wood, metal, and just any surface I could challenge myself with. I proved to myself that with the proper dedication, I can keep going, and therefore, I made the conscious decision to attend school to expand my artistic abilities. I graduated with a BFA from California College of the Arts and I’m looking forward to attending graduate school. I am now not only known as a fashion designer and creator, but also an artist who paints large-scale murals, hosts solo shows, collaborates with other artists, and one who uses art to give back to the community. One of the things I am most proud of is creating an aesthetic that people can recognize and have a connection with. It’s empowering because I am shown how art brings people from all types of backgrounds together. Regardless of who we are, we are all in union, and therefore, though my art I am shining a light on the importance of unity through diversity. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Some of the lessons I have learned during the Covid-19 crisis is to be adaptable and to think outside the box. Before Covid started, I had one semester to work in a studio at CCA that allowed me to explore painting bigger canvases. I felt that I had finally landed the perfect space to let out these massive ideas I had in mind. However, when the pandemic hit, I had to halt all my artwork, pack up everything and stay indoors. I also had to cancel art shows, collaborations, and it was disheartening. I did not what to stop creating my art so I realized that I could utilize my living room as a makeshift studio. Although I did not have the proper space to create art, I made it work. Instead of getting deterred, I adapted to the situation and kept creating art no matter what was thrown at me. Being in art school was not easy, but I understood that this was an important time in my life, and I had to keep going. I was also away from loved ones and that to took a toll. Yet, I learned that sometimes you will be alone in life and that’s okay. One should use those moments to be more introspective and to find out more about oneself. That being said, I used that time to explore different approaches to my artwork. I created my first figure through my geometric abstraction called Commonalities and it represents all that we share in common no matter one’s background. I was hopeful that one day this piece will be able to bring people together. By being resilient during Covid-19, I was able to bring this vision to life. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robhill-art.com
• Instagram: @robhill.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robhillart/
• Twitter: @robhillart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6zs_7Dw_Vk
• Other: tik tok: Robhill.art

Image Credits
Spencer Thompson
Stephanie L.