Edmonton’s digital artist, Renee Robyn, stands on the precipice of international recognition as she prepares to represent Canada at the 2024 World Photography Cup. Known for her enchanting composite artworks brought to life through fantasy inspiration, Robyn’s artistic prowess has ensured her nomination in not one, but two different categories — illustrative digital art and illustrative portrait art.

A Leap into the Fantasy Realm

Robyn’s childhood was steeped in the realms of video games and fantasy novels. They would later serve as the springboard for her artistic endeavours. A last-minute decision to participate in the competition, encouraged by her partner and fellow artist, Curtis Jones, led her to submit five of her best works. As the judging process unfolded, four of her submissions were eliminated, leaving two images that would cement her place as Canada’s representative.

Crafting Ethereal Art

Robyn’s signature style involves photographing subjects and backgrounds separately, then meticulously layering multiple images to create the final composite artwork. One of her nominated pieces, a captivating self-portrait, features Robyn draped in a hand-sewn cape. The attention to detail is evident in the lifelike capture of the fabric’s flow, showcasing the artist’s commitment to her craft.

A First in the World of Photography

As the World Photography Cup inches closer, Robyn and her partner, Curtis Jones, find themselves in an unprecedented situation. Marking a first in the competition’s history, they are the first couple representing the same country in the same year, albeit in different categories. The World Photography Cup has received submissions from 42 countries, with the top 10 finalists set to be revealed at the end of January. The winners will then be announced in a grand ceremony in Texas come spring.

While the world awaits the results of the World Photography Cup, Robyn is not resting on her laurels. She is already gearing up for her next venture — the launch of her first art book slated for release in the upcoming summer. This achievement serves as testament to her relentless pursuit of artistic expression and her unwavering dedication to her craft.