Meet Erin Hammond: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Hammond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, as a parent, what have you done for your children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Listening, connecting and holding space for growth is vital.. I believe the most important thing that I work towards on a daily basis with my son is connecting, having eye contact and taking specific moments in making sure he feels valued and important. His opinion matters. We may not agree on everything but to instill confidence and check in with the heart and emotions is key. Every stage with a child is different. Currently with a 13 year old; saying sorry is so important. To hold standards as a parent and recognize when we are in the wrong and take a pause and apologize. Press the restart button is sometimes invaluable to their growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is a massive hot air balloon of all the ecstatic joy and dreadful pain of being a human being in this era floating to the next stop to gather more information to splurge out on a canvas or perform in a film and move onto to the next. I come from a very structured past with very intense black and white ideals of women and men. And ideals of purpose and intention. I have the art degree, the acting degree. With format and formulas. And within the last decade I’ve learned to set down the rules and trust my gut. Trust my intuition. Trust the bellows of my depth and the clamoring cry of my insides. I am where I am today by intuition and listening. I highly recommend it. I feel very lucky to have had the human beings along my path that I have so far. Each individual has something to give. Something to offer. I don’t take it lightly. Opportunity is there. It always is. We need to look for it and say thank you. I believe we get in our own way. We have specific expectations of how things need to look or play out and we are completely missing the boat. It’s right there. When I started to think differently and really be still and present, things change. This time we have on earth is so short. We are mere vessels, we need not waste it on thinking about the past or the future. But staying present and connecting with the ones around you. That will bring the real change you want and desire.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Interesting question during a raging pandemic, but if we could imagine a world where we didn’t have masks to wear and we loved one another the way I believe it’s supposed to be I would consider: For a week long trip in Los Angeles… I would definitely take them to my favorite little coffee shop on Hillhurst. ‘Maru Coffee’ My favorite little French cafe: ‘Loupiotte Kitchen’ on Vermont… Maybe adventure to the Observatory. Check out ‘Squareville Vintage store’ while we’re near by…. Oh… Blue Rooster Art supplies and pick up some sketch pads and we’d venture over to the Getty Museum. Perhaps check out the Hammer museum as well. The ocean is vital, a picnic and blankets in the sand also vital. With wide brim hats. And books. Hmm… Let’s see; A hike in the mountains, there are so many beautiful trails here. A breath of fresh air. Definitely make a trip to Abbot Kinney and find an art show near by. I’m also really loving the arts district downtown more and more, so we’d venture there as well. The Last bookstore is amazing!! Maybe see an outdoor movie. There are so many options. A fire by the ocean is always a delight if in fact our mountains aren’t in flames and we are allowed to. Definitely find a music spot, a concert, a performance. Inspiration and flow always needed on the daily. We’d paint in my studio and have a dance party inevitably. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In interviews I usually say my father. The way I grew up, the craziness of it all which has made me who I am. But today I’m going to give a shout out to my beautiful, brilliant comrade Sarah Carter. The last two years have been overwhelmingly confronting in every area of my life and Sarah has been a solid light of inspiration and hard conversations along with the mere fact that she is a constant voice who believes in me. And also John Markland for bringing us together. What an amazing soul who was a key factor in bringing me to the next level. It’s funny how small pivotal moments in life are hardly recognized or given credit where it is due. Humbled and honored. There are so many people who deserve credit for where I am. Today this is who I dedicate recognition. Thankyou.

Website: Erinhammondart.com
Instagram: Art: @erinhammondart Acting: @erinhammondrepublic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhammond10
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erin017?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinhammondart/