Artist Spotlight: Robert Tabor

Name: Robert Tabor

City: Fort Lauderdale

Birthplace: Massachusetts

Artistic Medium: Anything and everything—polymer clay, fabrics, vinyls, metal, crystals, (anything that sparkles for that matter,) leather and feathers

How did you get started?
With a degree in graphic design, extensive prop and costume design, it all comes to the table when creating. But it was the unusual theme costume design I was doing, where I started to bring the theme of the costume into the shoes. People started to photograph the shoes. That's when I knew I was onto something

Who or what are your influences?
Andy Warhol. Previous and daily experience in life and your surroundings and how I/ we choose to process them

What inspires your work?
A very active imagination and things in everyday life. I see what people are relating to—foods they order at the dinner, people's everyday popular interests, vintage cars, golf, fishing, celebrities or icons, movie themes, what's in the news.

How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
It is so important to put yourself in a beautiful, inspiring, healthy environment and Florida certainly has that going on. It is amazing how sitting at the beach and getting lost in the sound of the waves you can clear your mind—I often solve many creative questions/decisions on my mind.

How would you describe your work?
Fantasy and fun-filled.

What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
“You are just not right—and we love it. Where can I get a pair of these shoes?”

What would you like to achieve as an artist?
To encourage everyone’s imagination to wonder, even if just for a few minutes. To help people take a break from their everyday life.

Current Show:
United and Proud 2008
ArtsUnited
Gallery Six, Broward County Main Library
100 Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Through June 27
http://artsunitedonline.org/gpage.html

Where is your work available?
www.roberttabor.com

1957 Pink Cadillac

Aqua Fish

Brisket FLip Flop

Cleaning Lady

Dragon And On

Glenda

If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at StarrWriter2000@aol.com