Sugar High with Robyn Blair Davidson
CAUTION — sugar high warning! As you continue to read, you will be tempted with an array of perfect pastels, delicious technicolor candies, and blissful sayings. Although what you see is not edible, these decadent visuals, rich in color, will be sure to leave a cheeky smile on any candy lover’s face. With a desire to elicit a sugar rush that lasts a lifetime, art’s resident “color” girl, Robyn Blair Davidson, by “happy accident,” launched candy lifestyle brand by robynblair.
BY ROBYNBLAIR’S Original Art | Made-to-Order
Aspiring to create her New York dream home, Davidson’s artistic journey began with a simple bowl of candy. “Candy has always made me happy!” shares Davidson. “I wanted my home to be a reflection of who I am, and it hit me that I wanted to put candy on my wall. I’ve always had bowls of candy sitting on my coffee table and in every cabinet and drawer. So I wanted it decorating my home too!” Having no intention to create more than one work of art, just three years ago this innovative creator set out to turn this decadent treat into taste-ful decor, designing her first three-dimensional piece — Dubble Bubble “In Case of Emergency, Break Glass.” Adorning each space with playful pops of color and unexpected mixtures of various shapes and candies, Davidson has turned her once minimal New York apartment into a modern-day candy land.
In addition to her must-have decor pieces, like Ann Sandra Gift’s curated coffee table books, Davidson enlisted the help of interior designer Cara Woodhouse, furniture craftsman Nathan Anthony, and of course, candy, to create a vibrant, candy-filled aesthetic to mirror the energetic and creative, candy-obsessed personality that is Robyn Blair Davidson. With her captivating sweet treat combinations and complimentary bright mantras, it was no surprise that anyone who viewed this visual delight began experiencing cravings for one of their own.
Hey Sweets Print $800 | Think Happy Thoughts Print $ 800
Designs by JLA designs and photographed by Kirsten R. Francis
Rainbow Drop Candy Dish $260 | Berry Swirl Candy Dish $260
“My family has always told me that ‘with hard work comes great reward’ and that I could build anything I put my mind to.”
Emerging from a time of chaos and uncertainty that left most of us with a bitter taste, by robynblair offers sweet feelings of carefree happiness to any individual who discovers her one-of-a-kind creations. “In my art, I use vibrant colors and catchy sayings to share a visual reminder to look ahead to a bright future,” expresses Davidson. “Keep your ‘Chin Up’ and reminisce on the happier moments in life. Even though life can get tough (or tart), every day is sweet, and we should always be grateful for that.” In addition to her flourishing digital community, one of the biggest driving forces for her success comes from her phenomenal support system. “My family has always told me that ‘with hard work comes great reward’ and that I could build anything I put my mind to,” shares Davidson.
For a person who spends her days immersed in the delicious temptations of endless amounts of candies, we just had to ask — what candies must always be on standby? “My top three personal favorites would have to be sour belts, Kookaburra licorice, and sour patch kids. As for least favorite, I don’t have one,” laughs Davidson, “I love all candy! For work, I love using movie theater style candy boxes since they are so colorful, and every size is different.”
Recognized most for her customizable three-dimensional vessels designed to induce your deepest candy cravings, by robynblair has expanded into the realms of flavorful acrylic candy dishes, luxury games, and other enticing home accessories. Working with a number of renowned brands and companies such as, Bergdorf Goodman, Harry Winston, Apparis, Name Glo, Dormify, Mini Melanie, just to name a few, it is only just the beginning for this talented entrepreneur. “Collaborations are everything to me,” heartens Davidson; “brand partnerships have always been one of the most fun parts of what I do!”
Unwrapping the path for candy dreamers everywhere, Davidson encourages her fellow creatives that “if you love something, stay focused and be the expert. I really believe that if you build it, they will come. Like-minded people will show up and support you. Don’t stay away from what you love!” So what can we expect to see next from this inspirational artist? Careful to not indulge too much, Davidson gives us just a taste, “we have a bunch of great partnerships and exciting new product launches in the pipeline, so you’ll just have to wait and see!” As for now you will most likely find this artist surrounded by plexiglass, candy, and glue or meeting with new clients and potential partners to further enrich the by robynblair brand. Reaching the center of the tootsie pop and the end of this interview, Davidson leaves us with these parting words: “What you think about, you bring about. What you surround yourself with is no different. Remember where you are and who you are with when you feel your best – and make that your priority.” And remember,
“we could all use a little sweetness in our lives!”
“if you love something, stay focused and be the expert. I really believe that if you build it, they will come.”