Growing up in on the coast of Northern California, I became fascinated by the patterns of nature. The striations of bark on a redwood tree, the ripples in the sand left by the rivulets of cold, salty water. 

Then my parents moved the family away, and I became distracted by other concerns: school, work, building a career... 

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...until I discovered I could replicate patterns in crochet. The discovery of 75 balls of wildly colored vintage thread in a thrift store in Grants Pass, OR in 2020 opened up a whole new world.

Suddenly, the forms that had looked so conventional in my all-white crochet lace took on a whole new depth. Why couldn't I change colors every round like we do making motifs for blankets? 

I realized color had a huge effect on how forms and patterns materialize. What sort of effects were possible when I played with subtle gradations juxtaposed with a strong color complement? 

This coincided with 5 years of nomadic travel, living all over the US, UK, and Europe, steeping me in inspiration -- Sainte-Chapelle's gothic points, Durham Cathedral's Romanesque rose windows, and Hampton Court Palace's needlepoint patterned brick chimneys. Now, I start each medallion with no plan, only a color palette. I'm amazed by the forms that emerge. By the end, it's always something that I never could have imagined. 

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I try to create art that leaves my environment better than I found it (read more about my Second-Hand Supplies pledge), listening to my spiritual guidance about where to go, and when, to find what I need. My latest series explores what happens when I attach my lace to canvases and frames I find on the sidewalk and streets of Philly!

My work has been shown in exhibitions in Philadelphia, PA; Durango, CO; and Santa Cruz, CA, and purchased, commissioned, or worn across the United States and internationally, including in London, England; Paris, France; and Milan, Italy. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, I'm now based in Philadelphia, PA.

A professional writer and editor, I am also available for editing books, reviews, and articles (find me on LinkedIn).

Learn more about my "how" and "why" on Instagram or YouTube @robinfpoolfiberart. ​

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I hope you see something you've enjoyed on this website. I love to do commission work and crochet mending. Please contact me if you're interested in purchasing, or you'd like to discuss a commission or mend of your own.