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.

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.