Heavily tattooed with a big bushy beard, motorbike-riding Rob Popejoy is probably not how you’d expect a student chaplain to look.
But he prides himself on his “less than conventional” look as it helps students at City of Bath College relate to him “as one of them.”
Rob has colourful tattoos linked to his faith and love of Star Wars covering most of his body. They include ‘A New Hope’ tattooed across his knuckles and the Star Wars rebellion logo and his baptism date on his arm.
While working to promote faith within the college, Rob has been asked to try his hand at modelling.
The chaplain’s body artwork has captured the attention of photography students and photos of him now adorn the walls of both City of Bath College and City of Bristol College.
Rob said: “I try to do things differently to how they’ve always been done, as I’m representing religion & faith I think we need to challenge the old traditional ways, to keep it fresh and approachable to all.
“I’m younger and covered in more tattoos than people expect. I’m also a down to earth guy who is up for doing off-the-cuff and random things to raise my profile as a chaplain.
“Most are of the opinion that the Church of England is very straight-laced but I’m bucking the trend. You can still be religious, be who you want to be and be up for a good laugh.
“There is a common misconception that church leaders tend to have a certain ‘holier than thou’ look to them. But I am just me and how I look doesn’t necessarily reflect my beliefs.”
A photo of Rob’s heavily tattooed hands is on display in the corridor of the art and design department in the Herschel building at City of Bath College.
He was captured on camera by photography student Fen Marren for her end of year project and Rob jokes: “you can tell their my hands as they are so worn and weathered.”
Rob, who is a multi-faith chaplain, also agreed to be photographed bare-chested, wearing a bow tie and covered in paint.
The photos by Harriet Evans, a photography student at City of Bristol College, are on display at her college’s College Green campus.
He said: “I put these modelling offers down to my beard. I’ve never done anything like this before, but I grow a beard and the offers come in.
“It’s great that people recognise I look different and think that I’d look good in photos, but I’m not about to give up my day-job and launch a modelling career!
“I’m just so awkward in front of the camera and look so uncomfortable in the photos.”
Rob’s usual modes of transport are motorbike or skateboard, he loves snowboarding, enjoys hip-hop and also runs a team in the Bristol Churches Football Association Saturday league.
Rob started at City of Bath College in February last year having previously worked as a teaching assistant, a youth worker and a basketball coach.
