Meet Florida-based Artist Robin Hamman
ROBIN LISA HAMMAN is a visual art and journal writer based in Saint Augustine, Florida. Check out her work here:
100 Cups of Compassion (Art Book, Journal, Devotional)
ArtRobStudios (Retreats and Classes)
The Twisted Leash (Pet Portraits by Robin!)
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Saint Augustine?
ROBIN HAMMAN: I was born and raised in Pinellas County, Florida and came to St Augustine, America's oldest city, in 2015. The move came from a stirring in my heart to be in a place with more diversity, a different lifestyle and a place where I could walk about town, walk to Mass and enjoy a small town feel.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?
I see myself first as a Christian artist who is Catholic. My current mission as a Christian/Catholic artist is to bring God's word to people who may have never heard or experienced it.
I have done this through the book 100 Cups of Compassion and through the initiative that preceded the book. The book also brings the words and meditations of the saints to its readers as well. The format is simple, not condemning, easy to read and is a journal, devotional format.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
My books were openly blessed by our priest. The Blue Mantle, a local Catholic shop, is currently selling the book and has allowed me to do book signings. They have been very supportive of 100 Cups of Compassion.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
This is a work in progress. I have done Christian/Catholic journaling retreats in PA and I am also booking retreats in other parts of Florida. Locally I am working on reaching out to our parish to talk more about Catholic artist Retreats and Journaling sessions.
How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
Having operated in the secular art world for most of my life, I believe the welcoming of artists of faith into the secular art world is a job for the Holy Spirit. However, I do find that in the past decade there are more and more online Christian artist retreats, Christian art ministry, educational programs and Christian/Catholic-based social media outlets. Maybe instead of being "accepted" by the art world, God is forging a new and different way to get His work out into the world?
Where in your city do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
I attend the oldest parish in the country, The St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica. I live in a neighborhood called Lincolnville, and the mission church for the Cathedral is in my neighborhood. I attend Mass there on Sundays. The church is called St. Benedict's and it is the oldest African-American Catholic church in the United States. We hold one of the best Blues Festivals around.
Where in your city do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
I get inspired by the people and scenes around my town. I also belong to a Christian Art Ministry Collective online called Emerge (God Loves Art). I received my Art Ministry certificate from this organization. I also love to paint for others and I am inspired by their photos at times.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
I read the Bible, journal and work in my devotionals for up to 2 hours every morning upon waking up. I grab my coffee and sit in the quiet of the morning talking to God, praying and reflecting. It is my favorite time of the day.
What is your daily artistic practice?
I am a firm believer in cross creativity. If you paint, put down the paint brush from time to time and write. If you are a photographer, take a painting or drawing class.
Creativity comes in so many forms and one discipline will only help to hone another discipline. Creativity begets creativity. God, the great creator, has instilled us with this gift.
Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.
In November, I held a Christian Journaling session with a group of 12 ladies in Monongahela, PA. They were all from the same parish. We talked, journaled, cut out scripture and biblical words and photos, cutting and pasting while we talked about hymns. Everyone went around the table and talked about the hymns that they each person felt connected to. Most of us remembered a grandparent or parent singing those hymns to us at some point in our lives. The journaling, singing, talking and creating that went on in that room that day was Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.
How do you financially support yourself as an artist?
I have a full time job in retail. I work at one of the oldest retail stores in St. Augustine, HW Davis. It is a wonderful place to work.
On my days off I work on my painting, write and promote my 100 Cups of Compassion book.
What are your top pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
Get plugged into an online Catholic or Christian Art group. Network online and in you home town. If there is not a Catholic art organization in your town, start one! (Editor’s Note: Or a Catholic Artist Connection chapter!)