Robin Cameron

Printmaking Alumni Interview – Neiman Center 25th Anniversary Catalogue

LNCPS:  Printmaking at the Neiman Center is community driven.  What was your experience of community at the Neiman Center and did it have an impact on your experience as a student in the MFA program at Columbia?  

Robin Cameron:  It was very community focused, we were always hanging out at the printshop, working on something or looking at artwork. We spent more time together prepping for projects and helping to execute them. I think it made me know the value of hard work and what it takes to complete a project at a high level.

LNCPS:  Do you have a favorite project that you worked on as a Fellow?  What made it memorable?

Robin Cameron:  Working with Cecily Brown, she was so curious about what was going on in the art world from a young person’s perspective and I liked her openness. As well as Rikrit’s scroll project, it was just such a team effort with so many hands to get the piece as he wanted it done. It gave me the perspective that print could be pushing things

LNCPS:  Did working at the Neiman Center influence your artistic practice?

Robin Cameron: Yes, it did influence my practice as I’ve continued to work as a printmaker in my work. I completed a large printmaking project that I received a grant for recently. I had the skills and knowledge to complete the project on time and within a budget. I think the Nieman Center allowed me to learn in a controlled environment and interact with real life working artists and master printmakers so that I have the confidence to continue with my practice now I’m 8 years out of school. 

LNCPS:  What was your experience working collaboratively with a master printer, invited artists and your peers to edition artists’ projects?

Robin Cameron:  I learned a lot about the steps required for techniques and the materials needed to execute a successful work. I was then able to utilize that knowledge when I was teaching a class on printmaking. Working with the invited artists was always a treat, and to be able to interact at such a high level was really something I didn’t have access to outside of school. 

LNCPS:  Was there something that you learned at the Neiman Center that has stayed with you even after graduation?

Robin Cameron:  I learned the value of hard work is the key to achieve your goals. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn at the Nieman Center, and I’ve continued in a career in printmaking, teaching, producing editions and being involved in my community.