Meet Massachusetts-Based Artist Robéa Nordman

ROBÉA NORDMAN is a mixed media artist based in Maynard, Massachusetts. (www.robeafineart.com) 

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION (CAC): Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?

ROBÉA NORDMAN (RN): Lately I have found these two aspects of my life - being a Catholic and being an artist - really starting to merge. While I have always considered myself a Catholic, and (with the typical nagging doubts) an artist as well, I have never really considered the two words as a package deal. In a more abstract way, I understand the term “Catholic Artist” to be linked to the idea that, to me, art is beauty, and beauty in turn comes from God. However, a new project that I have become invested in, has changed this for me. Working on pieces that are entirely inspired by the Saints has made me feel very much like a Catholic Artist. I am enjoying feeling like my art has an even bigger purpose now.

CAC: Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

RN: This Catholic community, the Catholic Artist Connection, has been a wonderful inspiration for me. Through artists here, and those that I have found on Instagram, I am inspired to continue pursuing the idea of being a Catholic Artist. I am also very fortunate to have a very creative family. My sister-in-law, who introduced me to this community is a fantastic artist and great support as I try to take my artistic goals further. Her husband, my brother, has always been artistic and interested in illustrating, and he currently works as a UX designer. My brother, who passed away, had a great talent for writing poetry and drawing. My oldest brother is very musically talented.  And my sister is always crafting something new - whether it’s murals, face painting, cakes or clothing. It’s nice to have such inspirations all around me. 

CAC: How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

RN: I like this question a lot, though I do not know the answer. I find people are often surprised to find out that I am a person of faith, if they first know me only as an artist and/or an art teacher. Almost like if you are an artist you must fit into this political aisle, this particular mindset, and have these specific beliefs. I am sure this is not the case. I have seen, through this community, how many artists there are of Christian faith and it has been very refreshing. I have never been met with negativity when my faith is discovered, just surprise. I hope the norms of being an artist can continue to be challenged. There are a lot of us, Catholic/Christian artists, out there. 

CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice? Do you have a spiritual director?

RN: I try to make prayer the first thing that I do when I wake up. I then pray the rosary daily on my drive to work - sometimes, because I have a wandering mind, it takes the drive home to finish it as well. I have a daily devotional called “Jesus Calling,” which is a nice way to get a short, quick dose of inspiration. Finally, I am something of a novena ‘junkie’ and often research different Saints to pray to for guidance and intervention.

I do not have a spiritual director per se. But I have a great relationship with a priest I met when he was a part of the parish in my town. He was assigned to a different parish a couple years later, but I was lucky enough to have him officiate my wedding 5 years ago. We have remained friends, and often text each other to check in and share life updates. 

CAC: What is your daily artistic practice?

RN: I wish my practice was daily, but with the busyness of life it is often more of a weekly thing - usually on the weekends. I have a wonderful space in a converted attic that I use as my studio. I love to dabble in different media. I have been focused on magazine collages for a while now. Every now and then I like to take a break and work on something new - watercolor and ink drawings are favorites of mine, and a nice change from the routine of collage work. 

CAC: Lastly, how do you financially support yourself as an artist?

RN: I work as an elementary art teacher. This has been a great way to have my “9-5” still feel connected to being an artist. I’d love to work in a Catholic school setting - that would really merge all my passions - but unfortunately the financial aspect comes into play. It’s a wonderful dream. No matter what, children can be great inspirations. They are courageous and wildly creative.