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Elsa Robinson, Artist – Edmonton

Elsa Robinson is a multidisciplinary artist and instructor based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Her decades-long devotion to her visual art practice imbues her work with vibrancy, versatility, and an intuitive spiritual poignancy. Through years of study as a self-taught artist, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta’s Art and Design program, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Vermont College of Fine Art, Elsa has honed the ability to transmit her deep love and care for humanity using painting, collage, sculpture, installations, dance and theatre.
Elsa received the 2012 National Black Coalition of Canada Fill Fraser Award for Outstanding Work in Visual Arts. She was shortlisted for the 2022 Eldon and Anne Foote Edmonton Visual Arts Prize, and the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work as an artist and community builder. In 2023, she received the Artist of the Year Award from the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers RISE Awards. Her exhibition The Garden is on display until March 15 at the Art Gallery of St. Albert. These are a few of her favourite things…

  1. Water fountain

I just love my little water fountain! The sound of the water is soothing. Flowing water purifies the energy in the room and helps increase humidity in my home – which is invaluable in Edmonton’s dry climate.

  1. Sewing

My Mother taught me to sew when I was eleven years old. After about a twenty-five-year break, I have started sewing again. My sewing suitcase is full of fabric, and the design ideas are blossoming slowly. I’m looking forward to creating some unique and stylish outfits.

  1. Daddy

My Father passed away when he was thirty-nine years old. He was a brilliant mathematician. I recently made a commitment to learn more about his research. I don’t understand the language of mathematics, but my hope is to continue this research and develop a deeper connection to him by integrating his work into my art.

  1. Sculpture

I fell in love with sculpture during my undergraduate studies. Two years ago, I completed my first soapstone sculpture and the love affair has intensified!!! I have continued to carve soapstone and now own enough chisels and stone carving books to last me for a while!! The affair continues!!!

  1. Theatre and dance

(photo: Sean Arteca)

Over the past three years I’ve returned to dance and theatre. I’ve co-authored and performed in three plays, as well as performed in one dance show. The creative process in theatre demands a different kind of energy compared to working on my own in studio. Both processes are fulfilling!

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