Conversations with Delayna Robbins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Delayna Robbins

Hi Delayna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always said, even as a kid, that all I wanted was to get paid to draw whatever I wanted all day and be happy. But I never really saw it as a serious path at first. When I got to college, instead of studying painting or drawing, I chose Graphic Design. No one had ever really taught me how to draw or paint, so I taught myself. Even then, it was other people who recognized my talent before I fully believed in myself.

It wasn’t until 2019 that I started painting just for me—to pull myself out of depression. That act of creating for my own healing changed everything. By 2021, I had a realization: I could really do this. I could be a full-time artist.

Surrealism has always been present in my work, even before I had the language to define it. When I came across Afro-Surrealism in an article, it was like finding a mirror—I recognized myself in the genre and saw reflections of my own artistic instincts. Around the same time, the world was experiencing the weight of racial injustice, especially with the murder of George Floyd and the BLM movement. I was deeply affected, seeing so many Black men and women killed without justice. I needed to counter that pain with something meaningful, so I created a series that became a love letter to my community—a way to uplift, empower, and show positive representation of Black identity.

A few key moments shaped my journey. One was my first solo show in my hometown of Rocky Mount, where I challenged myself to complete 60 paintings in a year (I made it to 47!). Another was when an old friend convinced me to attend my first First Friday at Artspace, where I met Isabel Lu. That night changed everything. She invited me to Artspace’s Co-create event, where she shared knowledge about grants, residencies, and galleries—resources I never even knew existed for artists. After that, my entire career opened up in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Through it all, my support system has been everything. My family and friends constantly pour love into me and push me to put myself out there. Their belief in me fuels my own, and that’s what keeps me going.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was believing in myself and staying consistent. It took me a long time to truly bet on myself, but ironically, once I did, things started falling into place. I also didn’t realize that being an artist today requires a level of entrepreneurship. It’s not just about creating—it’s about marketing, networking, and constantly learning how to navigate opportunities. A lot of it has been trial and error, and I’m still figuring things out. Financially, there have been times when I had to put my art on hold, but I feel blessed that right now, I can create and work without having to sacrifice one for the other.

There have been plenty of moments where I questioned if I should keep going or if I even chose the right path. What pushed me forward was my support system—especially my mom and my friends. I used to feel like a failure for not being where my peers were, whether that was owning a home or making a certain amount of money. But through conversations with them, I realized how many people admired the fact that I was even trying to follow my dreams. In their eyes, I was already successful, even if I didn’t always see it that way.

The hardest lesson I’ve learned is not to compare my journey to others and to rest when I need it. I used to put so much pressure on myself to create, even when I had no energy left. I would compare my work ethic to others, wondering if I was doing enough, instead of focusing on my own process. But over time, I’ve learned to give myself grace, to trust my own timing, and to embrace my personal journey of blooming.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, focusing on themes of vulnerability, family bonds, nostalgia, ancestral reverence, and love. While I primarily work in acrylics—my safe space—I’ve recently started exploring texture art and incorporating fabric into my pieces, thanks to my residency with the Durham Art Guild. I’m still playing it safe with acrylics, but who knows—maybe one day I’ll dive into oils.

One of my proudest accomplishments is my Colorful Family ARTchives series. It’s my favorite body of work because it’s personal yet universal. Through reimagined family photos, I highlight the beauty and depth of Black family experiences while bridging generational gaps.

I think what sets my work apart is the emotional resonance it carries. The stories I tell allow people—especially those within the Black community—to see themselves and their loved ones reflected in my art. It’s powerful to have people approach me, recognizing their own experiences in my pieces or interpreting my symbolism in ways that align so closely with my intentions. But what’s just as meaningful is seeing people outside my target audience connect with my work. When someone from a different background can empathize with another community’s experiences or find a personal connection, that’s when I know my art is doing what it’s meant to do.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the most important qualities that have contributed to my success are community and purpose. Over the past few years, my artistic community has expanded, and seeking counsel from other creatives has been invaluable. Visiting their studios, sharing experiences, and realizing that I’m not alone in moments of creative block has been a huge source of motivation. It’s easy to think that others have it all figured out, but in reality, we all go through similar struggles.

Beyond that, knowing my why keeps me grounded. I don’t paint solely for myself—I paint because art heals. My goal is to help heal the world through my work, to create something that resonates deeply with people and makes them feel seen, loved, and empowered. Holding onto that purpose keeps me moving forward, even when the journey isn’t easy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acolorfulchaos.co
• Instagram: @_acolorfulchaos
• Facebook: @acolorfulchaos.co
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acolorfulchaos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acolorfulchaos