Rolanda Root
Growing up on a farm in rural Iowa I have always felt a close attachment to nature and the earth. As I have traveled and lived in different areas of the United States I was always drawn to nature, and specifically while living out in Utah, plein-air painting. Creating art outdoors can be so rewarding. Watching the colors change in the sky as the sun sets is quite a sight to behold that many just take for granted.
​
2-D art is my main focus; however, I do like to dabble in anything art related. I love to learn and create, especially if the topic is art related! Over the years I have been creating with pastel, oil, acrylic, encaustic, felting and mixed media. I have created many landscapes with pastel, oil and acrylic. While in Utah I studied with a pastel artist, Colleen Howe. My artwork focused on pastel for the year I studied with her. I expanded and started to plein-air paint with oil in the mountainous Utah landscape. I took many plein-air workshops while living in Utah and learned something new from each workshop and instructor.
​
During Covid I started to experiment with alcohol inks and resin. I created over seventy pieces during the pandemic break. Art helped me to cope and gave me motivation. Many of the pieces I created incorporated crystals I dug up in Arkansas. Arranging the crystals to resemble geodes and then adding the inks and resin created some interesting pieces. I now am always thinking of other ways to incorporate items from nature in my art.
​
I have recently started to work with leaves and paper dyeing. Creating my first dye pot was an experience. Whether it was mordanting paper, or adding bark, dried leaves, and iron to water and bringing to a boil the process felt like alchemy. I am looking forward to continue this exploration with printmaking and incorporate into my encaustic work. With the art I create I want the viewer to feel an appreciation for our world and peace that is felt through nature. We often attempt to bring nature into our homes whether it be through plants, pets, or fountains. I hope my art can bring a feeling of peace that nature offers.
Rolanda Root
Email:
Facebook – Rolanda Root Art