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"I feel called to create images which make us aware of the sacred nature of our existence; to open for the viewer an experience which helps lift the veil of illusion of ordinary reality in order to reveal the underlying spiritual dimensions of life. My work often conveys a simultaneous sense of mystery and recognition and invite us to explore the archetypal nature of our human experience through insightful juxtapositions and metaphors. I hope to leave the viewer with a deeper understanding of who and why we are."
Rob Schouten was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He spent his early years playing and exploring the docks and quays of this city's vast port, letting his imagination wonder about the countries of origin of the large ships docked there. The son of an interior architect, Rob developed an interest in form, shape and pattern...and loved to draw. After completing High School he enrolled in the School for Graphic Arts in Utrecht and studied printing and Graphic design, graduating in 1977.
In the summer of 1976, Rob spent four months hitchhiking through the United States an discovered this countries breathtaking wilderness, especially in the West. Memories of these places distracted his focus from his design work in the advertising firm which hired him following his graduation. Feeling his talents were being wasted, Rob quit his job and moved to the U.S., settling in Seattle, Washington.
Three years later, he moved to Whidbey Island, in Puget Sound and started to pursue his career through galleries and distributors, initially in the Seattle area, Then in the San Francisco Bay area.
In order to reach a larger broader audience, Rob and his wife Victory started Great Path Publishing , the focus of which was to publish and promote posters, greeting cards and journals.
Feature articles about Rob's work have appeared in Magical Blend and Quest magazines, and his art has been on book and CD covers for Barbara Marx Hubbard, Cyrill Scott, Lama Anagrika Govinda, Steven Halpern, and many others. Most recently his work provided the stage backdrop and graphic identity for the Awakened World Conference 2001 in Palm Springs, California.
Aside from pursuing a personal career, Rob was a co-founder of the Seattle based Dharmic Engineers from 1983 to 1999, this artists' group produced a number of collaborative art works, most notably the Doorgani Project, an interactive installation of seven doors representing the seven chakaras, as well as a number of outdoor natural environmental installations. The Dharmic Engineers were the subject of a documentary film by director Satchi Royers depicting both of there aspects of the groups' collaborative work.
Early influences on Rob's work were the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, the Surrealists Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali and 19th century Symbolist artists. Perhaps more than these artist, Rob's work has been influenced by the work of Carl G. Jung, Joseph Campbell and his own studies of numerous Eastern traditions, primarily Buddhism.
Born December 22, 1956 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Degree in Graphic Design, School for Graphic Arts, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 1977.
Immigrated to Seattle, WA., 1979.
Helped found artists' group Dharmic Engineers, 1983.
Selected Exhibitions
Collaborations & Associations
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Cover Art: Books
Cover Art: CD's
Cover Art: Magazines
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