Skip to main content

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.

to
1
3
18
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
22
17
5
1
21
13
7
3
2
22
10,159
2,807
2,503
1,398
Artist: John Paul Robinson
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Items
Wall Sculpture: 'Ayden'
Wall Sculpture: 'Ayden'

Terri FraserWall Sculpture: 'Ayden', 2022

$1,215

H 13 in W 18 in D 5.25 in

Wall Sculpture: 'Ayden'

By Terri Fraser

Located in New York, NY

As an artist, I am a storyteller wielding visual art as my medium. My creative journey is fueled by a relentless thirst for knowledge acquired through both hands-on experience and ke...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Copper, Wire

Knots (blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)
Knots (blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)

Knots (blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)

By Robert Burch

Located in Quebec, Quebec

This piece weaves climbing rope in with glass knots. Each piece is unique and slightly different. The cord is retired climbing rope, given another use by shining in this piece. Rob...

Category

2010s Folk Art John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Blown Glass

Bronze Sculpture “Understander”
Bronze Sculpture “Understander”

Bronze Sculpture “Understander”

By Frank Arnold

Located in Fresno, CA

Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract figurative painters and sculptors of our time. He is a living master whose work is considered to be both personal a...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Bronze

Goddess Ethereal
Goddess Ethereal

Kevin KellyGoddess Ethereal, 2018

$10,000

H 33.5 in W 7 in D 3.5 in

Goddess Ethereal

By Kevin Kelly

Located in Westport, CT

This aqua resin and acrylic sculpture is an abstract female for created by Kevin Kelly. The dimensions are noted include a 3 1/2 inch high base. Kelly works out of his Brooklyn studi...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic

Knife
Knife

Kevin KellyKnife, 2018

$13,000

H 43 in W 7 in D 4 in

Knife

By Kevin Kelly

Located in Westport, CT

This aqua resin and acrylic sculpture is an abstract female for created by Kevin Kelly. The dimensions are noted include a 4 inch high white base. The pedestal is separate. Kelly wor...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic

Joan's Ghost 2006
Joan's Ghost 2006

Matt GilJoan's Ghost 2006

$13,000

H 50 in W 14 in D 2 in

Joan's Ghost 2006

By Matt Gil

Located in Napa, CA

Galvanized Steel, Glass Tile & Mortar California born and educated sculptor Matt Gil graduated from San Jose State University, and his work has been widely exhibited throughout Cali...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

Reclining Figure (woman)
Reclining Figure (woman)

William King (b.1925)Reclining Figure (woman), ca. 1960

$2,800Sale Price|30% Off

H 7 in W 9.5 in D 5 in

Reclining Figure (woman)

By William King (b.1925)

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

William King (1925-2015). Reclining figure, ca. 1965. Cast and welded bronze, 7 x 9.5 x 5 inches. Unsigned. William King, a sculptor in a variety of materials whose human figures traced social attitudes through the last half of the 20th century, often poking sly and poignant fun at human follies and foibles, died on March 4 at his home in East Hampton, N.Y. He was 90. His death was confirmed by Scott Chaskey, who is married to Mr. King's stepdaughter, Megan Chaskey. Mr. King worked in clay, wood, bronze, vinyl, burlap and aluminum. He worked both big and small, from busts and toylike figures to large public art pieces depicting familiar human poses -- a seated, cross-legged man reading; a Western couple (he in a cowboy hat, she in a long dress) holding hands; a tall man reaching down to tug along a recalcitrant little boy; a crowd of robotic-looking men walking in lock step. But for all its variation, what unified his work was a wry observer's arched eyebrow, the pointed humor and witty rue of a fatalist. His figurative sculptures, often with long, spidery legs and an outlandishly skewed ratio of torso to appendages, use gestures and posture to suggest attitude and illustrate his own amusement with the unwieldiness of human physical equipment. His subjects included tennis players and gymnasts, dancers and musicians, and he managed to show appreciation of their physical gifts and comic delight at their contortions and costumery. His suit-wearing businessmen often appeared haughty or pompous; his other men could seem timid or perplexed or awkward. Oddly, or perhaps tellingly, he tended to depict women more reverentially, though in his portrayals of couples the fragility and tender comedy inherent in couplehood settled equally on both partners. Mr. King's work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, among other places, and he had dozens of solo gallery shows in New York and elsewhere. But the comic element of his work probably caused his reputation to suffer. Reviews of his exhibitions frequently began with the caveat that even though the work was funny, it was also serious, displaying superior technical skills, imaginative vision and the bolstering weight of a range of influences, from the ancient Etruscans to American folk art to 20th-century artists including Giacometti, Calder. and Elie Nadelman. The critic Hilton Kramer, one of Mr. King's most ardent advocates, wrote in a 1970 essay accompanying a New York gallery exhibit that he was, "among other things, an amusing artist, and nowadays this can, at times, be almost as much a liability as an asset." A "preoccupation with gesture is the focus of King's sculptural imagination," Mr. Kramer wrote. "Everything that one admires in his work - the virtuoso carving, the deft handling of a wide variety of materials, the shrewd observation and resourceful invention - all this is secondary to the concentration on gesture. The physical stance of the human animal as it negotiates the social arena, the unconscious gait that the body assumes in making its way in the social medium, the emotion traced by the course of a limb, a torso, a head, the features of a face, a coiffure or a costume - from a keen observation of these materials King has garnered a large stock of sculptural images notable for their wit, empathy, simplicity and psychological precision." William Dickey King...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Bronze

Aeris Tarim Noire - Large Black and White Original Three-Dimensional Wall Art
Aeris Tarim Noire - Large Black and White Original Three-Dimensional Wall Art

Aeris Tarim Noire - Large Black and White Original Three-Dimensional Wall Art

By Atticus Adams

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Atticus Adams' organically composed modern metal sculptures embody the transformative power of contemporary art, illustrating the creation of beauty, meaning, and emotional impact fr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal, Wire

Strong Female Form
Strong Female Form

Leo De BeerStrong Female Form, circa 1965

$5,000

H 19.25 in W 11.75 in D 7.75 in

Strong Female Form

Located in New York, NY

This is a great sculpture with real gravitas and elegance. A great conception in terms of the forms and planes. Can be a star piece in a room - stone and surface are very attractive! Active primarily in the mid to late 20th century, Leo De Beer...

Category

1960s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Stone

Tall Metallic Palladium Abstract Expressionist Brutalist Totem Sculpture
Tall Metallic Palladium Abstract Expressionist Brutalist Totem Sculpture

Tall Metallic Palladium Abstract Expressionist Brutalist Totem Sculpture

By Judy Engel

Located in Hudson, NY

Hand built heavily glazed solid ceramic structure by NY artist Judy Engel. Expressionist style hand built and heavily glazed in a high metallic palladium glaze. Judy's first introduction to this style was the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY. "In the 1970s, upstate school kids...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Ceramic, Glaze

Blue Knots (Aqua blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)
Blue Knots (Aqua blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)

Blue Knots (Aqua blown glass found object climbing rope wall sculpture Chihuly)

By Robert Burch

Located in Quebec, Quebec

This piece weaves climbing rope in with glass knots. Each piece is unique and slightly different. The cord is retired climbing rope, given another use by shining in this piece. Rob...

Category

2010s Folk Art John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Cord, Blown Glass

Knots (blown glass table top found object climbing rope sculpture Chihuly)
Knots (blown glass table top found object climbing rope sculpture Chihuly)

Knots (blown glass table top found object climbing rope sculpture Chihuly)

By Robert Burch

Located in Quebec, Quebec

This piece weaves climbing rope in with glass knots. Each piece is unique and slightly different. The cord is retired climbing rope, given another use by shining in this piece. Rob...

Category

2010s Folk Art John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Blown Glass

Previously Available Items
Turned Symmetry - amber, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture
Turned Symmetry - amber, contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture

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

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

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 ...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

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

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

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

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...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

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...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Glass

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

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. This large, stunning glass and meta...

Category

2010s Abstract John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Metal

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

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

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...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

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

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

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Elegantly curved aquamarine glass pieces in twos are suspended on fine steel cables in this stunning new wall sculpture by Canadian artist John Paul Robinson. His glass work is inspi...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

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

By John Paul Robinson

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Canadian artist John Paul Robinson’s glowing glass wall sculptures are inspired by nature’s elements—wind, earth, fire and water. In this piece, one of a series, six elegantly curved...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Steel

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

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

By John Paul Robinson

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...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Blown Glass

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

By John Paul Robinson

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...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

Blown Glass

Embers Below
Embers Below

Embers Below

By John Paul Robinson

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 ...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

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

Materials

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...

Category

2010s Contemporary John Paul Robinson Art

Materials

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.

Artists Similar to John Paul Robinson