Statement

My name is Robert Diken from Metuchen NJ, and I’m a self-taught American artist who uses a wide variety of materials to create spontaneous, explorative art. I enjoy experimenting making 2D and 3D works including paintings, collage, assemblage, sculpture, ceramics and photography.  The process for creating my art is using various mediums to either make highly interpretive watercolor landscapes, which is where my art journey began, to an interest in abstract and sculptural forms which was sparked by creating hand-built clay fired work.  Along the way I learned about the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi – Sabi and the concept of the beauty in the imperfect.  It encourages us to appreciate the natural changes of growth and decay, including asymmetry, roughness and simple beauty.  I find working with tactile materials and using the Wabi – Sabi influences helps me stay in the moment and allowing spontaneous creations to flow without overthinking.

The artist talk video I gave at MGalleries for my solo show called “XMarks” in 2022 will provide you with further context around my way of creating.

 

Biography

Robert Diken has been a resident of Metuchen, NJ where he resides with his wife Joann.  Prior to his retirement Robert was a managing Director at Marsh & McLennan Companies in NY.   His role was to lead manages and grows large global account client relationships including customers in the manufacturing, financial services, media / entertainment and retail sectors.   Robert received his BA in Economics from Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Post business career Robert became interested in pursuing his interests in the arts, both on a personal and civic level, with a desire to engage with the community on projects which would make an impact on the beauty in the Borough.

Robert has since completed service on many volunteer committees and organizations in the Borough, including as President of the Metuchen Arts Council, as a Board member of the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce, as the Chair of the Junebug Art Festival, as a member of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance Board and as the founder / President of the Friends of Metuchen Arts.  He was also instrumental in the development of Metuchen Jazz and co-founded the Middlesex County Jazz Festival.

Currently Robert is the owner / artist of Basecamp Studio & Gallery which offers a diverse range of artistic experiences. The space will function as a gallery for solo and group exhibitions, a retail venue, a workshop space for learning and skill-sharing, an outdoor art market, and a gathering place for community events centered around creative dialogue and expression.

 

Robert Diken ~ Simon Keller ~ John Marron

The collective of cone9colab artists share in the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese concept that values the beauty in imperfection and simplicity. It encourages us to appreciate the natural changes of growth and decay, emphasizing the temporary and unfinished aspects of life. Wabi - Sabi is sometimes described as the beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.” Its’ characteristics include asymmetry, roughness, simple beauty, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy and the appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature. Simply, we want to help others to develop a Wabi-Sabi mindset, which is accepting things as they are, knowing that even imperfect things are perfect in their own way.

This philosophy teaches us to find joy in the imperfect and to recognize beauty in everyday and often unnoticed things.and our colab offering unique and customized art and educational programming which is intended to illuminate the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, through our collective art works and events, which include interactive workshops.

Each workshop is customized for the occasion and the location and can be are done outdoors weather permitting. We consider inviting special guest artists for certain events, who can add to our expression of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Workshop elements can include any of he following.

  • WABI-SABI TALKS

  • TEA CEREMONY

  • CLAY > SCULPTURE ~ DANCING ~ PAINTING ~ RAKU

  • SUMI-E INK DRAWING

  • ASSEMBLAGE

  • WALKING MEDITATION

  • GALLERY EXHIBITIONS