My paintings are an ongoing exploration of the spaces where "inner" and "outer" meet, whether the setting be human or celestial. From the mysteries and metaphors that I find in familiar subjects, such as my ships and dancers, to my cosmological studies of a complex and seemingly impersonal universe -- in the heart of my creations lies the familiar made abstract, and the distant made intimate. 

A note on the "Inner Space" series:
I am fascinated with the analogy of space with human consciousness. The vastness of space, with its mysterious and oft-dazzling beauty, and the highly complex "inner space" of human consciousness form the focus of my work. Layers of color and texture illuminate my visions of planets and stars as points in a vast continuum, radiating life and emotion of their own. I think of each painting as the result of various “encounters” with these places, revealed in boldly colorful, multi-dimensional and sometimes sensual paintings that simultaneously evoke a sense of space intertwined with psychic tension. 
 

The beauty of flesh, sinews, veins and the landscape of the form are what excite me.
Curves, heft, intense colour and exaggeration of line....contrasting textures; fabric, water, wood.... against skin......

I play with contrast, colour, with twisting flesh, mood and perspective.
I need to use strong, often undiluted colour, exaggerating and heightening reality.
My influences come from classical painting and sculpture, my own experience in hand drawn effects animation and the rawness and honesty of the body....bringing a kind of dramatic beauty and dignity to simple imagery.

For my collages, I use small pieces of paper as my palette and “paint” colorful and detailed pictures. They are composed of images of ancient manuscripts, totems, petroglyphs, tapestries and urban graffiti. For each collage, I consciously use source materials that represent different religions, languages and styles. The collages pay homage to those who came before and celebrate the uniqueness of our varied heritages. At the same time, they illuminate the human interconnectedness and cultural melding that define our global society. For me, this cultural amalgamation characterizes my secular and humanistic worldview.

Through use of vintage photo albums found at flea markets and the relics of my own family history, I invent a context for people and the objects that once belonged to them. Anonymous long-ago-used objects and places are given a story and thus a value beyond their original use. People from the photos are given hobbies and interests and an attempt is made to establish a relationship between these people and the relics that remain of their lives. My work involves examining the past before my time and making this past personal.

Rob Anderson is known for the emotive power and exquisite execution of his art.  Whether drawing, painting, or multi-media installation, content is of great importance to him.  He works primarily with the human figure rendered from life incorporating it into environments, both abstract and real, actual or imagined.

 In his first open studio in 20 years, Rob will be showing a selection of artwork spanning his professional career including works from the Man-in-the-Box series, the Pergamon Altar Project, Rattlesnake in a Moving Car: Life with HIV, and his iconic 1982 Gay Olympic Games print.

I spend some time to observe my life. There are several different stories and emotions I have in those stories are principle to decide who I am or who I am going to be. While observing, I find that my psychological state changes physical conditions and my mind and my body interact each other. When the mutual communication happens I see an imaginary world that my life story is rewritten.

As an artist & designer, I see the world as a vivid fantastic version of itself. My goal is to create happiness through art inspired by architecture and nature with a hint of playful childhood memories. 

I'm a local Bay Area photographer, designer and instructor. With my photography, my intent is to create high impact impressions that tempt the viewer to pause and contemplate the subject in question. This creates an opportunity for the patterns, textures and structures to slowly unfold, allowing the larger subject to reveal itself.