Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Hensley
Hi Robert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My friends call me a “multi-hyphanate.” I started my career as a costume designer, which led to makeup, and somewhere along the way I began writing and directing – all while working more mundane jobs around Hollywood: Director of Education for a Cosmetic line, publicist, executive assistant in talent management…it’s been a wild ride. In 2020, I was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for my makeup work on Kit Williamson’s EASTSIDERS (season 4). Along with a slew of other film festival awards, I was named Filmmaker of the Year in 2022 by Dreamachine International Film Festival for my feature film project, FAMILY AFFAIR.
Then, in 2023, my focus turned to how people – including myself – connect to Nature, and how important that relationship is to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. I became a certified sound therapist, meditation leader, and Personal Rewilding coach. My classes and workshops have taken me around the country, giving me opportunities to speak to and teach people of all ages about reclaiming their innate connection to the natural world. I now divide my time between Burbank and a small town in Pennsylvania where I am developing new programming in Personal Rewilding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road – anything but, in fact! It is my personal belief that creatives are born to struggle.for their art – and that has been true for me as well.
Maybe it’s because I’ve transitioned from one field to another, and back again, and then onto something new, but mastering a craft – enough to be trusted to do it and get paid well for doing it – is never without it’s follies. It even leads to severe bouts of imposter syndrome from time to time, but I’ve learned to best way to overcome these insecure moments is just to do and prove that you can.
And like most artists, self-employment – having to run your art like a business – can be daunting. It’s a mix of left and right brain that can be difficult to navigate and it can cause some financial missteps.
In all, a career without some challenges would be boring. Fighting for your art is most of the fun!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started doing makeup 25 years ago. I was never as interested in editorial as I was in working on film projects. I was drawn to the storytelling aspect of film. As a makeup artist, I am known for two things: 1) an attention to detail, and 2) clean, natural-looking foundation for healthy-looking skin. I pride myself on my work ethic and have been blessed to have directors trust me enough to bring me onto multiple projects. I was beyond honored when actress Lynn Shaye (INSIDIOUS) gave me a shout out in her Emmy acceptance speech for how my work made her feel!
While I am always game to hop back into to makeup trailer on a film, I have been focusing more of my time and attention on meditation and helping others to reforge a healthy relationship with Nature. It felt like a natural progression from makeup to Personal Rewilding. I think people – in general – want to feel cared for and protected, that they are have support, whether they are portraying a character in service to a story or just trying to find their place in the natural world.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I think people get caught up on their finite and stead-fast rules about life and careers, and importance of sitting behind the same desk for fifty years and retiring with an office cake and gold-plated watch. If that is truly your ambition, that’s fantastic…but if you’re dreaming of something else – or trying, learning, or mastering something else – that shouldn’t be ignored. Life is too short.
For all the struggles and hard times that creative professionals can face, it makes the successes that much sweeter. The rewards of fighting for your art are immense. Don’t let anyone try to take that from you.
As I find myself traveling back and forth from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania, meeting new people and seeing new places along the way, I am reminded that I am working on what I want, when I want, and making the most of every moment. Not everyone gets to say that. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.rhnaturereconnect.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/robhensley
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rhensley
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@RobertHensley
Image Credits
Robert – Self Portrait
Robert with director Chris Roe – photo credit: Christopher Roe
Robert with Miss North Carolina Contestant – photo credit: Natalie Catalano
Robert with Alec Mapa – photo credit: Georgiana Lainfiesta
Robert with Danny Trejo – photo credit: Georgiana Lainfiesta
Robert hiking along Tulare River, CA – photo credit: Rach McIntire
