Robyn Waffle is an award-winning artist and rug designer based in Toronto, Canada. Robyn experiments with a rainbow array of materials that, when woven together, create intricate dimensional designs that celebrate the ancient craft of rug making and the unpretentious joy of personal expression.

Robyn's creative career commenced in 2006 with a striking showcase of larger-than-life fashion illustrations in a downtown Toronto gallery. She spent several years as a painter and freelance illustrator in Canada’s graffiti art scene, where she consistently produced artwork on a grand scale. In 2011, Robyn transitioned into the specialized field of rug design, when she was offered the role of Creative Director at Modallion by Reznick Carpets. During her tenure at Modallion, Robyn experimented with the craft and introduced two distinctive rug collections at the Interior Design Show.

Over her thirteen-year career as a rug designer, Robyn's innovative creations, including her signature Prayer Rugs, have received global attention. Her notable collaborations include projects with her life partner Yvan Semenowycz, origami master Robert J. Lang, esteemed design firms such as Jan Kath Design, Yabu Pushelberg, and Cecconi Simone, as well as legendary rock star SLASH from Guns N' Roses.

In 2024, Robyn's professional path came full circle when she re-united with Reznick Carpets to brand and direct the launch of R:DESIGN, a new cutting-edge rug and carpet showroom located in Toronto's Castlefield Design District. Waffle & Reznick recently launched R:DESIGN with the unveiling of Robyn’s latest rug collection, titled "Neutral Curves.” They held a well-attended opening reception in the expansive new R:DESIGN showroom on September 25th, 2024. The big event was written about by DESIGNLINES magazine and you can read the article here >> Highlights From R:DESIGN’S Showroom Opening

“When I first entered Reznick Carpets’ 50,000 sq.ft. showroom in 2011, I was amazed at the sight of such a large space overflowing with stunning area rugs from across the globe. I had never thought of handmade rugs as a medium I could explore as an artist, and when I was given the opportunity to apply my talent to the craft, I found I became genuinely addicted to the process. There’s something profoundly rewarding about painstakingly working on a design, labouring over colour selections and material compositions, to then entrust the final execution to be perfected by artisans halfway across the world. When the finished rugs arrive and I unroll them for the first time, I feel an overwhelming sense of connection and pride. I feel fortunate that my creative journey has led me to the ancient craft of rug making, and I find my work feels special and significant during this hyper digital era we are living in.” - Robyn Waffle

Outside Looking In.

Robyn launched her newest body of artwork titled “OUTSIDE LOOKING IN” at The Artist Project in February 2020. In preparation for the show, Robyn honed in on a new creative process, which led to a unique series of dimensional collages made from paper, textiles, plexiglass and copper.

ARTIST STATEMENT • The outer chaos we create with adventure and life experience often forces us to seek out an inner core of quiet. My collage work celebrates our instincts to vigorously colour outside-the-lines and then, just a minute later, attempt to connect-the-dots. There is beautiful chaos when my shapes and textiles sprawl across my studio table and then a joyful ‘sigh’ when I successfully weave them together to create a new work. It’s so exciting when a tiny piece flips over, reveals some unexpected colour or pattern and then, all-of-a-sudden, the art problem is solved! Each stage of my creative process is cathartic, uplifting and playful. My artwork echoes happiness, intuitive game-play and the yearning we have to seek order amid the chaos.

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— EXHIBITIONS —

Neutral Curves - R:GALLERY - Toronto 2024

Hypnotic Hush Collection - BDNY 2022 (with PI FINE ART) - New York City 2022

Future Nature Collection - IDS 2022 (with PI FINE ART) - Toronto 2022

Outside Looking In. - The Artist Project - Toronto 2020

The Luna Collection - BDNY 2019 (with PI FINE ART) - New York City 2019

Baked Jewel Tones Exhibit - BDWest 2019 (with PI FINE ART) - Los Angeles 2019

Canada 150 Celebration - Two Pom Mosaic™ Installations - Heritage Properties - Toronto 2018

Woven Space - First Pom Mosaic™ Installation - Come Up to My Room - Gladstone Hotel - Toronto 2017

Elevation Window Display - Toronto Design Offsite Festival - Toronto - 2017

Arctic Sea Ice Installation - In Collaboration with Dystil - Interior Design Show - Toronto - 2015

Emery Street Records Launch Party - Farnham Quebec - 2014

Crease Pattern Window Display - Toronto Design Offsite Festival - 2014

Crease Patterns Collection - Interior Design Show - Toronto - 2014

Rug Stance Solo Show - Colourfield Gallery - Toronto - 2013

Accordion Collection - Interior Design Show - Toronto - 2013

Across the Line Collection - Interior Design Show - Toronto - 2012

Together Is Amazing - SHAW Cable Commercial - Vancouver BC - 2010

Spring Fever Solo Show - The Whip Gallery - Vancouver BC - 2010

Tidal Rising Solo Show - Anza Club - Vancouver BC - 2009

OZ Group Show - Anza Club - Vancouver BC - 2008

SLAW Solo Show - Charlie's Gallery - Toronto - 2008

Fashion Phantom Solo Show - Well & Good Gallery - Toronto - 2006

— EDUCATION —

Bachelor of Design & Communications - Ryerson University, Toronto CA

Marketing Major - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne AUS

Abstract Painting - Lanagara College, Vancouver CA

— AWARDS —

Best Of BDWEST - 2019 - With PI FINE ART - Best New Wallcovering

BEST MODERN DESIGN - 2016 - The Carpet Design Awards - DOMOTEX (Hossein Rezvani entered one of Robyn Waffle’s original rug designs which won for Best Modern Design in 2016)

Design Lines Loves Award - 2015 - With Totem Design Co. - Lynx Crest Tapestry

Herman Miller Juror's Choice Award - 2013 - With Fugitive Glue - Rug Collection

Design Lines Loves Award - 2013 - With Modallion - The Gaga Rug

Exchange Abroad Award - Ryerson University 2004

Summa Cum Laude Scholarship - Ryerson University 2001