Tell us a little about you, who you are, what you do, and what your world looks like at the moment?
My name is Robyn but I am known as Bobby Clark. I am an artist, mother and photographer based in Melbourne, originally from Scotland. My world is centred around my two boys: James, 6 and Jonty, 2. I look after Jonty full time while working on art, projects and photography in stolen moments, during naps and in between school drop-off and pick-up. LIfe feels crazy, beautiful at the moment
What's in your ears right now?
I am obsessed with a song my bestie Amy back in Scotland sent me. 'Isla' by Beluga Lagoon. We play the intro on repeat laughing our heads off. Also 'A Dream of You and Me' by Future Islands. That song and Samuel T. Herring dancing gives me so much life. I always blast my music in the car when I am alone. It's a mini holiday. If I need a reset I have a techno playlist that gets belted full blast and I sing my heart out. I probably look like a nutter at the traffic lights but I couldn't care less. I love music. James's favourite song is Born Slippy by Underworld and I am so proud. Podcast - My Therapist Ghosted Me. God I love them.
What's living in your head at the moment?
Painting. I can't wait to have more time to paint. I dream of paintings. I just don't have the time at the minute but I know it will come back, it's been bubbling for a while. I've been so lucky since having Jonty; I've had really incredible projects and collaborations come through that allow me to be creative and work with cool people in the capacity that also lets me be the mother I want to be. Next on my mind is working on a larger scale.I've worked on some really incredible murals that have pushed the scale of my work and I love seeing things at a grander scale. I have just completed a freehand 30-meter ceiling mural for AFLOAT which honestly still doesn't feel real.
I've been reading a lot recently. I have a really bad attention span so usually have 3-4 books on the go at once. I get bored and start a new one then circle back when I feel ready. Books I've read recently that I have LOVED were Young Mungo and John of John by Douglas Stewart, Famesick by Lena Dunham and A Mind of My Own by Kathy Burke. I am currently reading All Fours by Miranda July and it's annoying me. It's mental.
I also cannot stop thinking about making sets out of cardboard for fun shoots.
What have your hands been busy with?
God I really love/hate cooking. When you have young kids it feels like a chore. I would die for a home chef. Wouldn't that just be insane! I've been making a one tray chicken thigh, roast veggie, risoni dish that's so yum and hearty. The main thing for us is using good quality produce and ensuring we don't waste any food, which is hard sometimes.
My current project has been updating the house. We live in a rental but that doesn't stop me. I've painted the livingroom and bedroom and am slowly working on each space to update the feel of the house. Bringing new furniture into the house and adding colour to the walls has made a big difference. We spend so much time at home and I want our space to reflect our love or art and design.
What's feeling true to you right now?
I am really into fashion right now and finding one off pieces. I think when I became a mother, my vision of self really changed. I love watching the runway and couture shows from Europe and the US and feel so inspired. I'm really trying to put time back into myself and my wardrobe is such a big part of expressing who I am. I am really into vintage hats just now.
I would love to let go of the burden I carry caring what other people think of me or how I imagine I am perceived. As i move towards my 40's I have realised the true value of being myself. When we show vulnerability and lift the mask, that's when the magic really happens and we find true connection with others. I have spent so much time worrying about silly things, I can't believe it's taken me this long to let go.
My husband and I just celebrated 20 years together which is pretty remarkable, especially these days. So I am really appreciating and holding onto our love and history at the minute. Reflection has been a huge thing for me recently. Life moves so fast, it's nice to pause and remember all the things we have done and experienced.
Discover Bobby Clarks world here, and follow along at @bobbyclark
