Awaken by Robie Benve

ROBIE BENVE AWAKEN

Original edition by Robie Benve Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved.

ROBIE BENVE AWAKEN

Awaken Your Mindfulness

By Megan Roth

Robie Benve’s Awaken exhibition embodies the common idiom “Stop and smell the roses.” We move through our lives so quickly, always looking ahead to what’s next. We forget to pause, to take in a moment, to stop and smell the roses.

Within one single tree lays thousands of life forms, but all we see is a tree.

When speaking to her inspiration for the exhibition, Benve explains that when you look at a landscape from behind a glass, like your backyard from a window, you don't hear the noises or see the bugs. But when you walk outside, you hear the crickets, the cicadas, the birds, and realize everything that is going on. “There is so much life that you don’t even see, but it’s there,” Benve says. “And it’s all in this delicate, fragile balance.”

Benve uses a range of bright colors, stencils, textures, and layers in each of her landscapes to represent different life forms. Though each element is different, they come together to form a beautiful, coherent whole. It’s the miracle of life, the beauty of an ecosystem: Every single life form needs the others to function.

The nature that surrounds us is so important to our world; it teaches us. With sunlight, water, and nutrition a plant will grow, thrive. Though a tree’s leaves fall in the autumn, they always return in the spring. And with perseverance, the bird that keeps plummeting to the ground will learn to soar.

While technology advances more and more every day, it’s important that we don’t forget to cherish this beautiful earth we get to call home. Maybe as you leave here today, you feel inspired to take a walk in the woods.

Every organism has a dedicated role in helping its ecosystem succeed – including us. Each of our individual actions can impact our environment, and there are easy ways to reduce our environmental footprint without having to significantly alter our lifestyles. No action is small in an ecosystem: a plant couldn’t grow without an ant aerating its soil.

When you look at Benve’s paintings, take a moment to stop and smell the roses.

Bask in the tapestry of our environment. Let yourself become fully engrossed in these dreamscapes. Notice the texture. Observe the patterns. Awaken your mindfulness.

More Than What You See, 2023 mixed media on canvas, 48”x60”

Fearless, 2023 Mixed Media on wood, 24”x24”

Natura, 2023, Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x48”

Inspired by Nature’s Beauty and Fragility

by Robie Benve

Diving headfirst into the captivating beauty surrounding us, I celebrate the intricate tapestry of life that weaves together every corner of our planet. It's an ongoing adventure, a mission to capture those awe-inspiring moments that Nature keeps tucked away, that stirs a deep sense of wonder and an unbreakable bond with the world around me.

I mix acrylics, inks, and paper on canvas or wood, driven by a fascination with the play of colors and light, the ever-shifting dance of shapes, and the textures you find everywhere in Nature.

My creations are dreamscapes that don't just embrace the beauty and vulnerability of our environment; they freeze a tiny piece of time in all its fleeting glory. My art springs from my emotions and observations, and it's an open invitation to take a moment, pause, reflect, and drink in the marvels of the world. I paint Nature as a well of spiritual rejuvenation and a ray of hope.

I don't try to replicate specific places in my work. Instead, I aim to capture the emotional vibes that transport you right into the heart of Nature's embrace.

Nature is my muse, in all its splendor, prodding me to infuse harmony and balance into my creations, while using bold strokes, vibrant colors, and striking compositions.

My paintings whisper for the viewer to find their inner peace and tranquility while gently nudging them to wake up to our collective duty of looking out for the environment. I hope my art inspires others to step up and be more mindful of how we affect the natural world.

My work's dreamy, surreal quality reflects my journey of soul-searching and creative exploration. It's my attempt to unravel and make sense of my experiences in a vibrant, interconnected world.

Awaken, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x40”

Sounds of Nature, 2023 Mixed Media on wood, 30”x24”

Vision of Land, Air, and Water, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x40”

Robie Benve Brings Joy and a Positive Spirit Wherever She Goes

By Jodi Osborne

Born and raised in Italy, Robie Benve is an Upper Arlington resident and artist, found her passion for painting after a career in business. In addition to work as an artist, Robie is art coordinator at the OSU Faculty Club.

Osborne: What inspired you to become a full-time artist?

Benve: Even though my background is in accounting and business, I always felt like I could paint, if I just had the time. I apologize to any artists that may have overheard me saying: “I can do that.”

When we moved to Columbus, I took a year off work, and I found myself painting every day. Being free of the confinements of a full-time job, I gravitated toward the things that would give me more joy, and the top one was painting.

The ice-breaker was a print on canvas that my daughter wanted to buy from a department store and I said: “I can do that.” It was 12 years ago, and she still points to that painting hanging in her room and reminds me that I became an artist thanks to her.

After that first painting for my girl, I copied some masters, painted still lives and I started participating in several online painting challenges. I was painting seven days a week. It felt great; I had found my bliss.

I soon realized that if I was going to do this “artist thing” seriously, I had to waste a huge amount of square feet before it could be good. The only way was to study and to practice, practice, practice. So, I started taking classes, reading books and watching videos. Painting became central in my life, something I could not live without.

Osborne: How would a friend describe your personality? How is your personality expressed in your paintings?

Benve: Often friends comment on how they think I am very active and how I keep a positive spirit. I moved to the USA from Italy to stay with my husband Vincenzo Coppola, thinking we would stay only a year. That was 1999, ah!

Prelude, 2023 Mixed Media on wood, 20”x16”

From the beginning, I decided to make the best of the situation and I started volunteering and networking. That helped my English and my morale. When I found a job, I worked hard, even when it wasn’t well paid. I believe good things come to you when you give your best and you stay open to opportunities. I live my life with a positive outlook and I try to surround myself with people that are cheerful and generous towards others.

The same thing goes with art, I like to fill my house with things that make me smile. Sometimes, I get worried or upset about social events, but I can’t let my art come from a place of anger or grief. I am inspired by positive thoughts and I love to think that the viewer can perceive that.

Osborne: How has living in Upper Arlington shaped your identity as an artist?

What is your favorite thing about the community?

Benve: When we were looking for homes in Columbus, I read statistics and info about all the municipalities. We loved the fact that UA had top schools and great services, but I was a little skeptical about the lack of diversity. I have to say, since then, we met so many wonderful people in Upper Arlington, and it truly feels like home now. I love to take walks, they help clean my head and inspire me. There is so much green in UA, the lovely streets and parks in UA are perfect for walking or even biking.

Also, I love that there is a great art program that has several exhibits and events throughout the year and culminates with the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival.

Osborne: How do you collaborate with other artists?

Benve: The artistic community in Central Ohio is amazing, very vital and fermenting with opportunities. In the 12 years that I have been living here, I got to meet lots of amazing artists. I love talking, planning, critiquing and exhibiting with other artists. Each collaboration, event and group exhibit has enriched me as a person and nurtured wonderful friendships.

I am a member of the Ohio Plein Air Society, the Ohio Art League, the Central Ohio Branch of the National League of American Pen Women and the Dublin Area Art League, for which I’ve been most active and through which I met a lot of wonderful creatives.

Osborne: Why is it important to support local artists?

Benve: I wish everyone would stop buying mass-produced art for their homes

Life Within, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 48x60”

and look to local artists to buy original works instead. All it takes is going to local art exhibits, artist studios or local art galleries and you can find art for every taste and any wallet. There is an amazing amount of talent around us.

I am fortunate to work with Marcia Evans Gallery in the Short North. Marcia has been very supportive of my work, and, like other gallery owners, she can really counsel a customer on what looks good with their décor.

Most of the artists I know work hard and put many hours into each piece.

When people like it, we are super happy, but when people decide to invest in an original piece of art, it’s a true blessing. Every time original art is purchased, there is an artist somewhere doing a happy dance while being inspired to create more.

Osborne: Where is your favorite place to paint?

Benve: I am blessed enough to have several favorite places to create. They allow me to keep my environment flexible and varied. Each place provides a unique kind of energy and inspiration.

My top two are my home studio, formerly known as my kids’ playroom, and my studio at High Road Gallery in Worthington, where I share a 200-year-old home with other 13 artists.

Another favorite spot is the painting studio at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, where I’ve been taking classes and workshops since 2011 – I love that space. And last but not least, the outdoors. I have been a plein air painter for many years until I got allergic to oils. Now using acrylic and mixed media, painting outdoors is a bit more challenging, but I’m slowly getting back to painting on location.

Interview by Jodi Osborne, Arts Manager for The City of Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Division, 2022

Escape, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas panel, 11”x14”

Finding Purpose, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x24”

Without a Care in the World, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x24”

No Boundaries, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 20”x16”

New Day’s Promise, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 24”x48”

Ancient Wisdom, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 30”x40”

Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed, 2023 Mixed Media on wood, 18”x24

Quiet, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 9”x12” Cool, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 9”x12”

Confident, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 9”x12”

Breakthough, 2022 Mixed Media on canvas, 20”x24”

Perseverance, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 12”X36”

Textural Observation, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 12”x36”

Streaming, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas mounted on wood, 8”x10” Reflecting, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas mounted on wood, 8”x10”

We Shall Overcome, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 20”x16”

Hocking Hills, 2021 Mixed Media on canvas, 12”x16”

To a Better Day, 2021 Mixed Media on canvas, 16”x20”

Better Than a New Hat, 2022 Mixed Media on canvas, 16”x20”

Vision of the Wild, 2022 Mixed Media on canvas, 24”x18”

Cascade of Blessings, 2021 Mixed Media on canvas, 20”x16”

Soaring High, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas, 24”x48”

Home Land, 2023 Mixed Media on canvas panel, 11”x14”

Robie Benve Born and raised in Italy, Robie was the first in her family to graduate from college, and she earned an MBA from the University of Venice, Italy.

In 2010, she relocated to Columbus and embraced her passion for art, painting every day and furthering her education in art.

Robie creates vibrant artworks using watermedia paint and mixed media, such as paper, ink, markers, and fibers. Her work is characterized by the inclusion of patterns and marks that the artist creates with her hand-cut designs.

Her work has been shown in several shows all over Ohio and is in private collections in the United States, in Spain, and in Italy. She is the recipient of two grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

Examples of her work can be found on her website robiebenve.com and at Marcia Evans Gallery in the Columbus Short North Art District.

This book is published on the occasion of Benve’s solo exhibition “Awaken” in November 2023 at Marcia Evans Gallery, 8 E Lincoln St, Columbus, OH

Cover art: Awaken, by Robie Benve, 2023

Catalogue © Robie Benve Art Images © Robie Benve No portion of this catalogue, images, or text may be reproduced, either in printed or electronic form, without the expressed written permission of the artist.

robiebenve.com