Philece Roberts
About Philece
PHILECE ROBERTS | THATARTISTA.COM | @THATARTISTA
Philece Roberts is a Painter, Illustrator, and Graphic Designer, whose work is most recognized for her strong and graceful representation of Black Women. With a unique fusion of traditional art with contemporary style, she explores the depths of inner beauty, firmly rooted in the experiences and empowerment of Black Women. With a body of work that is a celebration of beauty and culture through realism fused with the textures of wood grain, tea stains, and linework and inspired by the multifaceted stories of women, she takes you on a journey through portraiture that is grounded in clean aesthetics and immersed in emotion.
Roberts has a B. A. in Film and Video Studies from the University of Oklahoma and a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She has illustrated two books and created artwork for clients such as Essence Magazine, Creme of Nature, and Strathmore Artist Papers. Having exhibited locally and internationally, her art adorns the walls of private collectors and her designs have branded clients globally. She currently lives and works in her hometown of Nassau, Bahamas.
The Interview
Tell us about the music you chose to build your playlist and why you picked these songs.
These songs come straight from my “P's Zone” playlist. It’s the one I choose when I’m painting or drawing. It's a compilation of just some of the different types of music that I love. Chill to start, with a crescendo that takes me to a place where I’m either warmed up and hitting a zone or needs a boost, followed by a little wind-down.
Does the music you listen to inspire any of your work?
Absolutely! The beauty in music is that it’s visceral. It can be sung in a language that we do not understand, better yet, be absent of words and still touch us in the deepest parts of your soul or encourage us to move. It’s that visceral feeling that inspires my creative flow and pulls out the emotion and movement in my work.
Who is your top artist and why?
Too many favorites to pick just one. Sade, Nina Simone, and Alicia Keys have voices that can take me deep into my feelings and pull me right back out in the next breath. Music and voices that soothe the soul, make you feel sexy, reminds you of the beauty of love. Erykah Badu has been in my ear through so many of my pieces. Her rawness and unapologetic creative expression always set the right vibe for a creative session. But it’s not just their voices, the words of the songs, the beats, or the tempos alone. It’s all of the parts, individually and collectively, the way they merge so effortlessly, that makes their music staples in my work playlists.
Tell us about your process and how you tune in when you are ready to begin creating.
I get in some quiet time, preferably outside in nature, grounding myself at the beginning of the day. Up next, eliminate distractions. I put my phone in do not disturb mode and make sure I have everything that I need in my immediate space. Depending on my mood or what I‘m working on, I decide which playlist is going to take me through that creative session. I listen to a bit of everything from Blues, Soul and Hip Hop to Alternative, Rock and Classical and everything in between. I’m more fluid when I’m painting than when I’m drawing, so my choice of music reflects that. Slower tempos when I’m drawing, a mix of slow and upbeat when I’m painting. When I’m on the computer creating digitally I lean towards classical and ambient music. Once I have my music set it’s time to get started.
Tell us more about your practice. What inspires your work and how does your playlist inspire you?
I am inspired by the resilience and beauty of black women and our stories. My practice focuses on telling those stories through portraiture and symbolism. My love of nature is also a huge inspiration as I continue to explore the parallels between women and nature. This particular playlist inspires me by keeping me focused and dancing through the work even when I’m exhausted. When a sweet beat drops while I push a shadow just right and hit that zone. Or when my favorite outro kicks in just as I’m finishing up a piece. This playlist is all of that for me. Forever inspired by ALL the parts.