Janna Robins - Walters
Artist Profile
Janna Robins Walters creates paintings, collages, drawings, photographs, and digital artworks. Robins-Walters was born in Toronto, ON. She earned a BFA from Syracuse University in Painting & Illustration, a certificate in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, a certificate in Computer Graphics & Fine Art from Sheridan College, and courses at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto School of Art, and Project Art. Before full-time art making, Robins-Walters worked as an arts administrator, art consultant, curator, illustrator, graphic designer, and teacher. She was an Artist-in-Residence at Grand Manaan, NB, and an Artist-in-Residence/Educator at Karma Creative in Toronto. Walters has also exhibited work at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair where her work was selected for Curated Collections by Robert Houle and Kristen Sjarda in 2020, and Lauren Sellen and Meghan Yuri-Young in 2022. Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries in Toronto. Janna’s artwork is held in private and public collections across Canada – including Subaru Canada, Harbour Castle Residences, and Koskie & Minsky – as well as in the USA, Europe, and Israel.
As a mixed media artist, I strive to create pieces that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden depths within. My art is a blend of various techniques and materials, each chosen to add layers of texture and meaning to the work.
In my studio, I begin each artwork without a preconceived result. Oftentimes inspired by a small area or detail of a sketch or canvas I already made, I dive into experimentation and exploration, getting lost in the flow. This is the starting point for an iPad drawing with which I can play, evoking moods by collaging, layering, and adding colours with abandonment. I strive to incorporate colours that help me make sense of the real world around me, and that allow me to create imaginary spaces. Once I determine the size of the final work, I print my iPad drawing on fine art paper, then apply additional water- and oil-based media until it is complete.
I often focus on depicting objects that – for me – signify people, embodiments of calm and happiness, in familiar spaces that feel personal and soothing. I see my artworks as imbued with compassion and humanity, an antidote to the disruptions of current events. I believe that art can serve as both a means of escape and a source of inspiration. I hope viewers will feel drawn in, encouraged to look deeper, make personal discoveries, escape the present moment, and remain open to multiple interpretations.
I aim to create pieces that encourage viewers to explore the emotions and ideas that lie beneath the surface.
So, take a closer look, and see what you can find. Whether it’s a moment of serenity, a burst of energy, or a glimmer of hope, my art is here to help you escape, connect, and discover.
Solo Exhibitions
1990 The Gallery Wall, Toronto, ON
2020 artwrk.ca (online)
Group Exhibitions
2022 Twist Gallery, Toronto, ON
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON
Artist Project, Toronto, ON
Artwork.ca Holiday Show (online)
2021 Artist Project, Toronto, ON
artwrk.ca Holiday Show (online)
2020 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON
Gallery 1313, Toronto, ON
Kontort Space, Toronto, ON
2019/2020 Mellah Projects, Toronto, ON
2019 Partial Gallery (online)
Project Art, Toronto, ON
John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto, ON
Artist Project, Toronto, ON
2017 Karma Creative, Toronto, ON
1990 Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON
Denison Gallery, North York, ON
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON
1989 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON
1988 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON
1987 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON
St. Lawrence Market, Market Hall, Toronto, ON
1985 Syracuse University Emily Lowe Gallery, Syracuse, NY
Charity Auctions
2022 Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON
2022 Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, ON
2019 Small Art Big Hearts Benefit Auction, Waddington’s, Toronto, ON
2016 Syrian Refugee Fundraiser, Beth Tzedec, Toronto, ON
2012 Toronto Heschel School, Toronto, ON
1987 Poster Design, Harry Rosen, Toronto, ON
Awards
2020 People’s Choice Award, Covid-19 Portraits III, Gallery 1313
1990 Award of Excellence Art Horizons, New York City, NY, USA
Select Collections
Harbour Castle Residences
Koskie & Minsky Law Office
Subaru Canada