…is BlackFood’s monthly feature that showcases poets and artists in The Bahamas and across the globe.
*P*…PHILECE Roberts….is definitely an artist to keep your eyes on. Not simply because of her soulful art works but also because she uses her talent to take a stand on social issues.
She eloquently told BlackFood: “With the overwhelming surge of social and environmental injustices in the world, it’s important for me to be a part of a movement that’s not just about talent but also about using those gifts to make a difference.”
Recently, she was one of 30 featured artists in the show, "ENOUGH IZ ENOUGH: Artists United Against Police Brutality" held at the City of Ink Tattoo Shop and Art Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia where she currently lives.
According to Mr.Soul:216’s blog, the show, “showcase[d] a range of artists and their interpretations in regards to police corruption and violence against citizens.”
“Along with Oscar Grant, the names Fred Hampton, Kathryn Johnston, Amadou Diallo, Abner Louima, Malice Green and Rodney King, resonate in the hearts of citizens who have more than grown tired of the abuse at the hands of those who have taken an oath to “Protect and Serve," wrote Mr. Soul.
When asked why she was moved to raise our consciousness about this and other issues, Philece stated: “As an artist I have the ability to reach a large audience. Like music, art is universal and timeless regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds. It provides me with a platform to bring awareness to the lives of others through socially conscious works…art with a message…”
This June she will be part of a benefit to raise awareness about sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through an organization called W.O.R.T.H. (Women’s Organization of rebirth through healing – www.youreworthit.org).
During the same month she will also participate in a show in Philadelphia put on by what she describes as, “an inspiring collective of female artists called AUTHENTIC (www.herauthentic.ning.com).” The show will address women of color and AIDS.
She also commits herself to a certain amount of pro-bono work for non-profit organizations each year.
Philece, a Bahamian native, is one of those people, probably, born to be an artist. She has been a lover of and a participant in both the visual and performing arts since childhood.
Now all grown up she has her hands in everything, immersing herself in a range of artistic forms including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, and Writing.
She benefits from her studies in Film and Video Studies at the University of Oklahoma. And also her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta.
However, Philece would readily tell you that her greatest training, with regard to Fine Art, has been trial and error, loving what she does, and learning from her progression as an artist.
Two years ago she established The Creative Truth (http://www.thecreativetruth.com) as a way to express her creativity as both a Graphic Designer and Fine Artist and is currently its principal artist.
“The Creative Truth is all about freedom of expression, finding the meaning of life’s truths and growth within those revelations. It’s the definitive of my work, myself as a woman and as an artist,” she shared.
On her creative journey, she has collaborated with the artist ill@DELphsouL who is her significant other and someone who has inspired her artistically. In the near future, she looks forward to collaborations with other artists.
For *P* her life is art and art is her life. And by looking at her works, you’d have to admit that her talent matches her fire, her passion.
What a blessing it is that she is using her genius to revolutionize our world.♦bf
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