Rob Turnbull

When asked what it means to be an artist in the 21 century, Robert Turnbull turns to the words of American novelist John Updike who once said, “What art offers is space- a certain breathing room for the spirit.” I suspect what Updike was really talking about was having a healthy appreciation for the arts… so says local sculptor Robert Turnbull of Internal Combustion Studio. I can’t remember a time when being creative didn’t play a role of some sort in my life. I appreciate anything that requires creativity. I enjoy other people’s work but much more than that, I have to create my own art to stay healthy in mind and spirit. Especially in a world that has largely forgotten how to breathe or how to make space for what really matters or gives value. And create he has over the past 13 years. Out of his studio in Spencerville, Ontario Rob’s hands and imagination have given birth to some weird and wonderful figures that look as if they have been pulled and stretched out of proportion into strange, elongated shapes! He often works in series and will go from whimsical, lighthearted subjects like clownish, court jester types to dark and serious subjects like the holocaust. I rely primarily on my intuition to guide me. Lately, Rob has been busy making life size versions of some of his favorite animals. His newest is an Asian elephant sculpture that stands over 8 feet tall. I love the challenge of working on such a large scale, says Turnbull. Look for more big pieces in the future. For now this artist will continue to work in his favorite materials, including paper pulp, burlap, mixed media, concrete and plaster. Who knows what the future holds for this artist? Rest assured it will always include creativity in one form or another!