Rob Chin

New York, NY

“Painting gives me peace, focus and strength.”

Rob Chin (he/him/his) was taught to be bold and not be afraid to experiment in art. He first learned of his love for art in grade school when drawing bunnies and ducks for his classroom’s holiday decorations. Rob continued to nurture his artistic skills at the High School of Art and Design and Pratt Institute. 

Rob has studied and learned many different styles of art, from Rembrandt-inspired realism, to abstract art and the occasional caricature. He enjoys the fluidity of acrylic paints, using loose brushstrokes to make swirls and shapes, guiding him to the finished piece. One of the aspects of art he loves the most is its ability to “…transcend where I am now and create other universes on canvas.”

When asked why he is driven to continually create, Rob responds “To free myself from what's troubling me. I'm inspired by looking through past masters' art books. When I see what's possible - I can go on from there-- to create images I want the world to see.” Through continual dedication to art and creativity, Rob has learned to manage his anxiety attacks and feelings of paranoia. Rob expresses, “Painting has allowed me to be more flexible and patient as a person. I've learned it takes time and sometimes repetition to get art the way I visualize it.”

Rob also dedicates himself to improving the lives of others in need. In addition to being a painter, he is a writer, singer and musician. He has acted in and directed several plays such as "Fiddler on the on Roof" and "The Wizard of Oz", and aims to help people with psychiatric disabilities express themselves publicly and fearlessly. One of Rob’s dreams is to start a free art school that supports children and adults with mental disabilities. He also hopes to devote care and support to the elderly population through community mural projects and fundraising. 

In the meantime, Rob is very excited to be a part of the ArtLifting community. “It [ArtLifting] will expose me to a wider audience” Rob continues “and interacting with other artists who have had mental, emotional and physical challenges will inspire me to push my own boundaries even more.”