ROBIN SEWELL DAUM
Bio/About
My name is Robin and I live in CT but am currently spending a lot of time in the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area. After graduating high school, I attended Art School for a few semesters before I froze with a crippling case of imposter syndrome, and then dropped out. I didn’t create anything meaningful for years after until it started calling me again. After buying my first DSLR I focused mainly on photography and learning all of the technicalities. I also came to realize that I couldn’t keep my images out of Photoshop and over-edited everything. I decided that maybe a different medium would suit me better. In 2017, after my mom passed, I took up painting. She was a really talented painter, and I felt an instant connection to her again. I could literally hear her say “there are no mistakes! Just paint over what you don’t like and keep going!” And so…I keep going!
We would love to know more about you:
Tell us more about your work:
I work with acrylics and recently added resin and neon to some of my pieces, which adds some fun to them I think. My recent work focuses on Drag Queens, but I also do pet portraits, where I just get lost in all of the fur and different textures.
What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon:
I actually had to work during the pandemic, and after hours would shop, deliver groceries, or run errands for those that couldn’t because of quarantining, so my days were long. I often envied people that were quarantined, and on the off days that were still and quiet, I didn’t feel the need to do anything at all. But I don’t feel like I missed out on anything…or wanted for anything.
What does your art future hold for you:
My only hope is that I continue to grow as an artist, that I learn new things, and maybe have something to offer others. After that, whatever will be, will be.
How do you keep motivated:
I know that for me if I stay consistent with my work, I’ll see the growth that I’m hoping for, and when I see that that’s what keeps me motivated. I try to rely on consistency more than motivation which can be tricky.
Name a famous artist that inspires you, and one not yet famous artist that you would like the readers to know about: hmm, this is tough, as I like different artists for different reasons. Andy Warhol is a good example, I like him a lot for his use of Polaroids and use of colors more than I care for his work. Maybe lesser known, Peter Terrin, out of Tulum, is brilliant with a palette knife and use of vivid colors, Peter Tunney, out of Miami, for his word art and masterful collage skills. But my favorites change all of the time.
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
Really nothing at the moment, my work is just starting to be seen, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pride Corner Art and Frame in Wilton Manors who has been kind enough to hang a few of my pieces in their Gallery. It’s surreal to be included among such other insanely talented artists.
What inspires you to be an artist and what inspiration can you pass to others:
I just adore everything about it. Give me a blank canvas and some good music and that’s a top-ten day! I’m a very solitary person, and I can easily bang around the house all day, by myself, playing with paint, mixing colors, and being creative. To others I’d say, find the pure joy that sets your heart on fire and you’ll never be disappointed!
How are you giving back to the community:
I’m a really big believer in “live and let live”, helping where you can, and zero judgment. But the political climate as of late has been extremely divisive and ugly calling out what they think are easy targets. It’s heartbreaking. I think I’ve kind of zeroed in on the LGBTQ community, Drag Queens in particular because these are some of the most courageous, brilliantly kind people I know, and as a 59-year-old straight woman I can’t imagine what it would ever be like to be judged and ridiculed for just being me, and living my life as my authentic self with zero apologies. That takes balls…and they deserve all the glory! I’m trying to just put some very brave and bougie Drag Queens up on a few walls to be seen in all of their glory.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you:
Do you remember when we were little, the big question was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And the answers were, a Dr., a Nurse, a Pilot, a Policeman, etc…my answer was ALWAYS “I want to be an artist and live in a shack!” Lol! That is still my answer…..sans the shack!
Anything else you would like to include:
If you would like to see more of my work or follow along on my journey you can find me on Instagram @robinsewelldaum
The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit from the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!
For more information on Robin’s artwork email [email protected] or to see more of her work visit
Instagram @robinsewelldaum