This is a conversation I had with my great friend and fellow f l o w e r sniffer.
R o b e r t a A h r e n s.
We met at a club DV8 and hung out in the 1980’s in San Francisco, California. Our inclination to collaborate was on photography, fashion shows and faux finishes. After meeting up again after children and ex’s it turns out we are both relating to f l o w e r s in our current incarnations.
Roberta is an accomplished fine art painter and faux finisher. In 2010 her focus is botanical’s. Developing a painting technique called “cracked linen”. It is a process were she works with the canvas creating textures and folds that lend to a sensual just left my sheets look. Her use of vivid colors come alive as they envelope you with there presence. Roberta’s large scale detailed paintings are best viewed in person. Her current work will be showing in San Francisco on July 15th 2010 at Di Pietro Todd. http://www.dipietrotodd.com
IN-Joy the brief conversation that I have posted as well as her lovely video of one of her large scale “cracked linen” pieces and do stop by her website to view the grandeur that is R O B E R T A A H R E N S
http://www.robertaahrens.com/index.html
POD &seed:
In the middle of the night what stirs you?
Roberta Ahrens:
My cat Magic… in and out, in and out. I do need a kitty door. Otherwise I sleep quite well.
POD &seed:
What entices you to photograph a flower?
Roberta Ahrens:
Color, shape and texture.
POD &seed:
What music do you listen to while doing your art?
Roberta Ahrens:
My quickmix on Pandora, through a fantastic speaker system, I’m quite sure my neighbors love me.
Current female vocalists, Latin guitar, rock, pop, jazz……
POD &seed:
Knowing you are an Aries and having walked around on this earth a few times with you, I have noticed you exude sexuality in a completely effortless way„„how does this translate into your work?
Roberta Ahrens:
Cool. I did not know of this observation of yours.
If I look at the body of work in my past 9 years, I’d have to say the way the petals curl and fold……. look back and see for yourselves…
POD &seed:
What influenced you to create and develop your amazing “cracked linen” painting technique?
Roberta Ahrens:
My training in the Decorative Arts. Surface treatments and textures have always been attractive to me. I have always loved the wonderful authenticity of age that the cracked linen lets me achieve.
POD &seed:
Where have you traveled?
Roberta Ahrens:
Rio De Janero Brazil, New York City, Xtappa, Mexico City, Hawaii, St. Martin, Seattle WA, Portland OR, Scottsdale AZ, Phoenix, L.A., San Diego
POD &seed: Recently becoming a single Mom, how do you keep your imagery so light and powerful?
Roberta Ahrens:
My girls inspire me. We have more time together it seems. :) I’m very happy these days. The future looks bright.
POD &seed:
How do your children benefit from your art? photography? or finishes?
Roberta Ahrens:
I believe with every project or piece I do, they see my process and grow from the experience. I share all of my work with my girls, they sometimes help with the layout and are then very excited if a piece sells that they’ve worked on.
POD &seed:
Give us a secret about your art.
Roberta Ahrens :
Most of my work is created between the hours of 6:00PM and 1:00 AM.
