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John Paul Robinson Art

Canadian, b. 1954

Canadian artist and glassblower John Paul Robinson uses his medium to explore nature and mythological beliefs as well as the knowledge we've gained about the world owing to scientific discovery. His striking sculptures are frequently characterized by flat forms that take on the appearance of feathers or rods of translucent glass that are manipulated into wave shapes and spiral patterns. Robinson’s works can be hung on walls or suspended from ceilings by way of stainless steel mounting brackets.

Born in 1954, in Toronto, Robinson attended the Georgian College of Arts and Technology and also the Ontario College of Art — now the Ontario College of Art and Design. He went on to teach at the latter for many years. 

Robinson is a self-taught glassblower. “There are hours of tedium doing it over and over,” he told WheatonArts of his craft. “I have to accept the tedium. The advantage is that glass blowing is such a focused process; you can’t daydream and blow. When you’re deeply focused it becomes meditation. It clears your mind. Then the best ideas come because your head is not full of all the crap. When that happens, that’s the reward.”

Robinson has received the Best Glass Award at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition twice, as well as the Joan Chalmers Glass Award. He has shown his creations in several solo exhibitions in the United States and Canada, and his work is held in a range of private, corporate and public collections, including the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa and the Museum of American Glass in Millville, New Jersey. 

Oeno Gallery, near Prince Edward, Ontario, exclusively represents Robinson. The sculptor is a Fellow at The Creative Glass Center of America. 

Find original John Paul Robinson abstract sculptures, figurative sculptures and mixed media works on 1stDibs.

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Flying - large, glass, translucent, white, feathers, wall sculpture
Flying - large, glass, translucent, white, feathers, wall sculpture

Flying - large, glass, translucent, white, feathers, wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This exquisite glass wall sculpture extends almost 60 inches across. It was featured in Robinson's solo exhibition at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. It evokes a remarkable sens...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

Times 3 - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture
Times 3 - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture

Times 3 - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Three blown glass orbs that contain assembled clock works, wheels, sprockets and coils, hang from fine chain in this unique wall sculpture. The elegant orbs in three sizes are define...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal

Duality B2 - blue, translucent, abstract, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture
Duality B2 - blue, translucent, abstract, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

Duality B2 - blue, translucent, abstract, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Nine elegantly curved aquamarine glass pieces are suspended on fine steel cables in this stunning wall sculpture by Canadian artist John Paul Robinson. His glass work is inspired by ...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

Our Beach - translucent, blue, contemporary, abstract, glass tabletop sculpture
Our Beach - translucent, blue, contemporary, abstract, glass tabletop sculpture

Our Beach - translucent, blue, contemporary, abstract, glass tabletop sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This hand-blown glass, modern, indoor sculpture was created by artist John Paul Robinson. The light shines through and reflects off the surface of the graceful wave-like form of this...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Blown Glass

All Possible Paths Red - contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture
All Possible Paths Red - contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

All Possible Paths Red - contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This red and orange glass wall sculpture is by John Paul Robinson. The ethereal glass work of this Canadian artist has won him acclaim in both Canada and the US. A self-taught glass...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

Probability Blue 3 - sculpture, glass and steel
Probability Blue 3 - sculpture, glass and steel

Probability Blue 3 - sculpture, glass and steel

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

"They are at once graceful and contemporary. This is the unique glasswork of John Paul Robinson. Seven arched pieces of translucent aqua blue glass suspended by fine steel cables cri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

Wave Function Deep Blue - wall sculpture, solid glass
Wave Function Deep Blue - wall sculpture, solid glass

Wave Function Deep Blue - wall sculpture, solid glass

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This blue glass wall sculpture is by John Paul Robinson. This graceful composition in hand-blown glass captures the beauty of light as it travels through the medium. Often inspired ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass, Mixed Media

Movements - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture
Movements - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture

Movements - elegant, blown glass, metal, abstract hanging wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Four elegant glass orbs that contain assembled clock works hang from fine chain in this unique wall sculpture by John Paul Robinson. The orbs in four sizes are defined by a deliberat...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal

2° of Sky - blue, contemporary, blown glass, wall sculpture
2° of Sky - blue, contemporary, blown glass, wall sculpture

2° of Sky - blue, contemporary, blown glass, wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This contemporary blue glass wall sculpture is made by a Canadian artist. John Paul Robinson’s award winning glass work is inspired by the artist’s fascination with the complex worl...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

Amber Clock - contemporary, abstract, glass and metal tabletop sculpture
Amber Clock - contemporary, abstract, glass and metal tabletop sculpture

Amber Clock - contemporary, abstract, glass and metal tabletop sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This glass indoor sculpture is designed to represent the concept of time. John Paul Robinson’s sculptural glasswork is highly regarded for its masterful execution. The Canadian artist is often Inspired by the dynamic relationship of humans with the natural world and our understanding of science. The Amber Clock...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal

Probability Deep Blue 3 - curved, abstract, glass, elegant wall sculpture
Probability Deep Blue 3 - curved, abstract, glass, elegant wall sculpture

Probability Deep Blue 3 - curved, abstract, glass, elegant wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Hand-blown glass in a stunning deep ocean blue is formed into three elegant arcs to create this contemporary wall sculpture by John Paul Robinson. The Canadian artist’s ethereal work...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

Flying With Fire - large, translucent, red, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture
Flying With Fire - large, translucent, red, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture

Flying With Fire - large, translucent, red, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Available on commission. Size can vary. Can be pre-mounted on panel or installed directly on wall. Please allow 8-10 weeks completion time before shipping. Crimson glass feathers ar...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal

East Wind - blue, translucent, flowing, glass, intersecting tabletop sculpture
East Wind - blue, translucent, flowing, glass, intersecting tabletop sculpture

East Wind - blue, translucent, flowing, glass, intersecting tabletop sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Metaphors of time, space, earth and its elements are reflected in the elegant and glowing glass sculptures by Canadian artist John Paul Robinson. In this table-top piece, gently curved tubes of azure blue glass move together mimicking the effect of wind on water. Historically, the east wind...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

Probability Deep Blue 4 - elegant, curved, abstract, glass, wall sculpture
Probability Deep Blue 4 - elegant, curved, abstract, glass, wall sculpture

Probability Deep Blue 4 - elegant, curved, abstract, glass, wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

John Paul Robinson creates original contemporary wall sculptures from coloured glass that are filled with light. This piece features elegant arched deep blue tubes of glass that are polished to a smooth finish and overlap one another to create a dynamic composition. The Canadian artist often explores themes related to how the world works. This is one of a series intended to represent the dual nature of light as both a particle and a wave. In physics, the wave nature of light is referred to as a "probability wave". “The thickness of the glass and curvature of the lens conspire to create their own optical effect. As your gaze moves across the piece it causes the small grains of coloured glass to shift just a bit. Starry Starry Night...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

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Turned Symmetry - amber, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

Turned Symmetry - amber, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

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This modern glass wall sculpture in red was forged by John Paul Robinson. Three gently arched tubes of glass in a deep red create a graceful composition that appears to float on the ...

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Night Transit - blue, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture
Night Transit - blue, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

Night Transit - blue, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

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This contemporary glass wall sculpture in deep blue is by John Paul Robinson. A single elegantly curved tube of hand-blown glass makes a dynamic statement as light plays off its tran...

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Flying White - large, translucent, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture
Flying White - large, translucent, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture

Flying White - large, translucent, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This exquisite glass wall sculpture extends almost 60 inches across. It was featured in Robinson's solo exhibition at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. It evokes a remarkable sens...

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Dual Symmetry - translucent, red, glass, copper, abstract wall sculpture
Dual Symmetry - translucent, red, glass, copper, abstract wall sculpture

Dual Symmetry - translucent, red, glass, copper, abstract wall sculpture

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Located in Bloomfield, ON

Metaphors of time, space, earth, and its elements are reflected in the elegant and glowing glass sculptures by Canadian artist John Paul Robinson. This large, stunning glass and meta...

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Probability B2 - blue, abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture
Probability B2 - blue, abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

Probability B2 - blue, abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

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Canadian artist John Paul Robinson has chosen aquamarine blue, the colour of water for his latest series of glass wall sculptures. Four curved pieces of translucent glass are suspend...

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Duality - blue, translucent, abstract, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

Duality - blue, translucent, abstract, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

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Probability Deep Blue - abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture
Probability Deep Blue - abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

Probability Deep Blue - abstract, curved, glass, steel, suspended wall sculpture

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Surf Series H20 7 - translucent, blue, shaped solid glass, table top sculpture

Surf Series H20 7 - translucent, blue, shaped solid glass, table top sculpture

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Located in Bloomfield, ON

A single rod of translucent and striated marine blue glass is twisted, looped and shaped into an elegant wave by artist John Paul Robinson. The design is enhanced by light that spark...

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Surf Series H20 2 & 3 - translucent, blue, glass, table top, sculpture
Surf Series H20 2 & 3 - translucent, blue, glass, table top, sculpture

Surf Series H20 2 & 3 - translucent, blue, glass, table top, sculpture

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Located in Bloomfield, ON

Two rods of translucent and striated marine blue glass are looped, twisted and shaped into a pairing of elegant waves by John Paul Robinson. The curated design is enhanced by light t...

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Blown Glass

Embers Below
Embers Below

Embers Below

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Located in Bloomfield, ON

Light through five narrow flames of red glass, tapered at either end, cast a red glow in this provocative wall sculpture by John Paul Robinson. A band of metal at the center of each ...

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Metal

Probability A2
Probability A2

John Paul RobinsonProbability A2, 2018

Sold

H 32 in W 80.25 in D 4.5 in

Probability A2

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Arcs of glowing amber glass are curated into elegant overlapping waves in this wall sculpture by Canadian artist John Paul Robinson. The design of the artwork suspended from three po...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

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Metal

String Ensemble in B
String Ensemble in B

String Ensemble in B

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Five pieces of translucent, striated marine blue glass are twisted, looped and shaped into a symphony of waves by John Paul Robinson. The curated design that hangs from fine stainles...

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2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

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Stainless Steel

John Paul Robinson art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic John Paul Robinson art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by John Paul Robinson in glass, metal, steel and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large John Paul Robinson art, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Heidi Spector, Marlene Hilton Moore, and Richard Tosczak. John Paul Robinson art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,900 and tops out at $24,000, while the average work can sell for $15,000.

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