A Conversation with Artist, Scientist and Professor Dr. Robin Davisson

You might be wondering how someone transitions from scientist with a tenured professorship at a major research university to uncovering hidden truths with paint and brushes. Dr. Robin Davisson’s career is as interesting, unpredictable and exciting as her abstract expressionist paintings. Robin recently left a 25-year career as a biomedical scientist in academia to pursue her passion for painting--a startling and exhilarating second act! She just opened StudioLab RD, a new and unique creative hub where they are creating connection through art in the heart of Georgetown, in Washington, DC.

Robin started her professional life as a biomedical scientist in the field of molecular physiology. Her work over nearly three decades contributed in major ways to our understanding of the control of the circulation in health and disease, relevant to disorders as varied as high blood pressure, heart failure and obesity. She was honored with many major national and international awards by her scientific peers and was an endowed professor at Cornell University. She is currently Professor Emerita at Cornell and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University.

Throughout this award-winning career, Robin’s passionate avocation was textile art, including spinning, natural dyeing, knitting and weaving. Eventually, the pull of art was irresistible, and she decided to close her research laboratories to devote her efforts completely to abstract painting. She is an alumna of multiple programs at The Penland School as well as numerous other online and in-person art courses.

Robin’s lyrical, process-driven work is rooted in eclectic curiosity and the material surprises she discovers working with her finely-developed visual vocabulary. Her debut exhibition opened at Calloway Fine Art in Georgetown, Washington, DC in Spring of 2021, where she continues to show. Robin is currently one of three finalists for the 2022 DC Mayor’s Arts Awards in the Emerging Creative category. This spring Davisson opened a unique new creative hub in Georgetown called StudioLab RD.

Visitors to StudioLab can browse available art, flip through her art library and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the studio’s sun-filled street level. Upstairs, guests can watch Davisson at work, from testing ideas in her sketchbook and prepping canvases, to mixing and applying paints and discerning the final touches on completed pieces. Davisson is accessible and available to chat with visitors and exchange ideas. She often gives observers a chance to explore their creativity. Her intention is to explore the creative process together. Salons, a creative-in-residence program and other offerings are also currently in the works.

Today, Robin follows her intuition. She describes it as a combination of her history, her emotions and her intellect. She recognizes that, for her, it took a lifetime to develop and follow her intuition.

You can learn more about her work here:

www.robindavissonart.com

@robindavissonart

@studiolab_rd