Robyn Waffle is an award-winning artist and rug designer based in Toronto, Canada. Experimenting with a rainbow array of mediums, Robyn weaves together unique material combinations to create colourful artwork that celebrates the ancient craft of rug making and the authentic joy of personal expression.
A passionate advocate for traditional rug artistry, Robyn Waffle’s bold distinctive style celebrates her admiration for contemporary textile design, travel, architecture and interior spaces. With over a decade of professional experience as a multidisciplinary artist, Robyn has recently launched her latest rug collection titled "Neutral Curves." Her new signature series features hand-knotted 8’x10’ rugs that have been meticulously crafted in Nepal. Utilizing a blend of wool, silk, mohair, and nettle fibres; each piece is characterized by curved corners, innovative material combinations, and rich colour palettes.
The "Neutral Curves" collection is currently on display at R:GALLERY, located within Toronto's new R:DESIGN showroom in the Castlefield Design District. The rugs are available for purchase through R:DESIGN.
Robyn's creative career commenced in 2006 with a 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 was passionate about creating 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.
— 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