Printed with fun
By robynblair
On October 1, Robyn Blair Davidson launched a fine art print collection based on her best selling original candy art pieces. It’s been a noteworthy year, even during a pandemic, for the artist who went from being known as The Candy Artist on Instagram to the Artist In Residence at New York’s famous department store Bergdorf Goodman. Her art has also been featured at The Hype House in Los Angeles, among many other places.
Each of these five Giclèe fine art pieces are printed on archival 300 GSM textured matte paper and generously sized at 30 inches wide by 42 inches tall framed. The prints are sold framed in a choice of black or white satin hardwood. Unframed prints can be purchased as well. “Prints are the perfect entry-point into the fine art world, and I wanted to release a collection that was high quality,” Davidson tells me. “I hand-selected every detail to ensure that the paper, printing, and framing are all of the highest caliber.”
Statement Art
The prints are just as sweet as Davidson’s originals but hold a deeper meaning during these challenging times. The artist stayed with her family for much of the shutdown and that experience was the creative push behind this collection. “It’s been super nostalgic and brought back a lot of childhood memories. It’s also been surprisingly helpful to take a step back and slow down my usual fast pace.”
A sweet set
By robynblair
Davison selected these five specific pieces to help bring positivity, brightness, and a little levity into the collector’s home. “It’s more important now than ever to surround yourself with visuals that inspire you and make you smile,” she says. “These statements and candy choices are intended to remind the viewer of nostalgic happy times and to encourage them to look to the future with that same positive energy. This print series is a celebration of fun, sweetness, and color.”
In pastel ombre lettering, Think Happy Thoughts features images of classic twisted lollypops created to invoke a sense of childhood nostalgia.
Slightly simpler in words but more complex in design, Happiness, which is written in a bright rainbow ombre font has green-bordered blue and red packages of Fun Dip candy.
The most whimsical of all the designs, Hey Sweets, features hot pink packages of Hubba Bubba and ombre pink writing.
The message of Life Is Sweet with its pastel blue hues and images of Sweet Tarts is a reminder from the artist to practice gratitude even during challenging seasons. The white lettering boldly stands out.
Chin Up is a nod to the mechanics of Pez dispensers with bright colored images of both the dispensers and the candy itself. Davidson explains that this a reminder to stay positive right now.
A Sweet Price
There’s no denying that the pandemic has had a major impact on the economy. So, it was important for Davidson to keep her brand accessible. During this period, she launched jigsaw puzzles, which are $48. She also sells baseball caps, phone cases, candy dishes, and stationary. But her original pieces, all of which are handmade, currently start at $3,000. At $800 unframed, the prints are a far more accessible price point for fine art. “I get requests all the time from first-time collectors who aren’t quite ready to purchase an original custom piece, but still want beautiful and well-made artwork hanging in their space,” she tells me.
Sweet and chic
Kirsten Francis Photography
But first-time buyers haven’t been the only customers asking for a print collection. “I also get requests from collectors who already own an original piece, and are looking for another fun way to incorporate my artwork into their home or office space.”
Nevertheless, Davidson notes that the appeal of prints isn’t limited to their pricing. “Another element I love about fine art prints is their flexibility. Unlike my original artwork that is often commissioned for a specific space in a client’s home, these prints are transitional and fit seamlessly in a variety of settings.”
Davidson’s work along with a Deborah Kass print and several others.
By robynblair
In fact, it was another artist’s print that was the inspiration for this collection. “The first piece of artwork I ever purchased that inspired me to create this collection. For years I’ve had a Deborah Kass fine art print hanging in my apartment, and it has brought so much joy and color to my space, especially over this past year.”
The Influencer Effect
Davidson’s original works have been popular with interior designers, celebrities, and influencers alike. Arielle Charnas (Something Navy), Sarah Michelle Gellar, Neil Patrick Harris, and Addison Rae all have pieces from the artist.
Geller, who was incredibly happy with her piece, explains the appeal in a sweetly succinct way telling me, “I fell in love with by robynblair’s artwork this year, and it’s the perfect gift to give anyone in your life, especially anyone with a sweet tooth. Her designs really add that great pop of color and joy to my home, and I can’t wait to gift more of her pieces to my friends.”