Robin Toler

Robin Toler is an artist, drummer, writer, healer, and teacher. Her art work has been featured on the covers of all six issues of Sinister Wisdom that featured stories about southern, lesbian-feminist activism. She is a board-certified art therapist, a licensed addictions counselor, and a certified advanced integrative therapist.

Robin Toler believes that art is sacred. Its language is universal and its effectiveness to heal are unquestionable. Art channels spiritual conflicts and relational yearnings. Art provides opportunities for humans to communicate at all levels of self and community. Artistic expression pushes us past race, gender, politics, religion, and sexuality. Art sustains us: our emotions, sensations, perceptions, and intuitions. It carries us; brings us forward; and it unpacks our tensions and conflicts. Art provides a practical drift toward our desires and passions. Art stretches us from the monotony and comfort of common polarities to a more stimulating existence. Art tests us as adults to go beyond what we were told as children, which was to blindly obey. Art matures our intellectual and spiritual spaces beyond proscribed, cultural rules. Art teaches us to follow our heart. It blends life’s hard cruelty with tender human renewal. Art breaks us open and drags us to the edge of our collective vulnerabilities.

As humans we have access to art. Art is a gift from the divine. Through accessing art, we are able to transcend personal pain and suffering. Art helps us find our authentic voice. It clears a path for us to find our reason to live and to seek out life’s meaning.

Robin Toler also believes that art can challenge us: to question our values; to listen for our priorities; and to provide for meaningful rituals and traditions. Art, whether personal or collective, is our foundation for living, our inspiration to pray, and our food for sustenance.

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