In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with pastel artist Robin Frisella, PSA-MP, IAPS/MC, whose still life paintings evoke nostalgia, serenity, and emotional depth. Robin shares how a casual invitation to a pastel class ignited her lifelong artistic journey, transforming a quiet post-childraising chapter into a vibrant second act. The discussion touches on the emotional processes behind her art, the meaning she finds in vintage objects, and how her work provides a calming experience for others. They also explore themes of creative authenticity, family support, and art’s healing potential.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Joseph Elisha recalls discovering Robin Frisella’s work in Boston.
[00:02:38] Robin shares how a pastel class began her journey as an artist.
[00:04:15] Transition from working at a copy center to painting full time.
[00:06:56] Childhood love for drawing and early creative expression.
[00:07:32] Why she was drawn to still life over landscapes or portraits.
[00:09:05] Favorite objects to paint and their nostalgic emotional weight.
[00:10:05] The story behind her mother-in-law’s butter churn painting.
[00:11:28] How antique shops inspire her artistic compositions.
[00:12:55] Capturing emotional resonance through light and setup.
[00:14:31] Building emotional connection even with commissioned pieces.
[00:15:41] Responding to whether art is created or uncovered.
[00:16:37] Visualizing the final product and evolving it through the process.
[00:17:50] Attachment to her work and meeting collectors at shows.
[00:19:05] Managing pressure and how deadlines can sharpen creativity.
[00:19:46] Pastel as a challenging but expressive medium.
[00:21:21] Leaving areas unfinished and the beauty of imperfection.
[00:22:13] Viewers' emotional responses and what they take away.
[00:23:36] Memories from her childhood and their influence on her work.
[00:25:34] Using painting as a form of emotional reset during stress.
[00:26:44] The role and emotional pull of her signature dark backgrounds.
[00:27:42] Connection to old master traditions and family support.
[00:29:10] If not art, her love for interior decorating.
[00:29:49] Her children’s support and how her art evolved over time.
[00:31:07] Losing awareness of the world while painting.
[00:31:48] Becoming more open and confident through art.
[00:32:45] Introversion, public interaction, and creative paradoxes.
[00:33:53] What she wants future generations to take from her work.
[00:34:49] Dealing with doubt and finding reassurance through audience feedback.
[00:36:02] The only critique she’s ever received and staying true to her style.
[00:37:02] Why she’d still paint even if she never sold another piece.

Learn more about Robin: https://www.robinfrisella.com/

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

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