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"My relationship between art and life is very intense. It is the process of living and creating that moves me. I approach my sculptures and paintings with the intent of having fun, splashing, scraping, pushing, pulling, dripping, wiping and carving my way into a state of animation. Intuition and my visual sensibilities click in; then the dialogue begins..."
-Antonius Roberts
As he walks towards you with that charming smile, you can't help but feel like a ray of sunshine just gleamed through your window.
The man behind the paintbrush is non other than Antonius Roberts, artist extraordinaire.
With a style that is unique, Roberts has painted every aspect of life there is - the very old, the very young, etc. And, he does a splendid job with abstract art as well.
"Crossing all boundaries, I respond to the revelation of suggestive forms and images, as they emerge," Roberts says. "Wood sculpture is new to me and I am enjoying 'the sculptor's experience.'
"The wood that I use to sculpt is recycled from piles of indigenous trees, randomly cut down or bulldozed to create space for the construction of concrete castles and tourist resorts."
Although the usage of wood is new to Roberts, he has already perfected the art. The expressions he carves out of wood can be automatically attributed to every day life.
Roberts, a master of art, is in constant competition with himself with a goal to perfect Bahamian art.
He says more on his usage of wood: "As my ancestors believe that 'the tree is regarded as the home of a spirit which needs to be placated,' I feel driven to explore this aspect of my African heritage in hopes of understanding more about my place in this universe."
Roberts' art is inspired by life and human spirit and the elements are so intertwined in him that it is somewhat difficult to find the boundary line between the artist and the man.
This artist realizes that the 'little darlings' of the nation are our future, therefore he has established the Art in the Community Scholarship Fund.
He has donated his works to visiting dignitaries on behalf of the people of The Bahamas. And, he is an environmentalist, having much respect for our heritage, as can be seen in his efforts to save the Casuarina tree.
Roberts, who was born in the very late 1950s in Nassau, was educated at Philadelphia College of Art (now University of Arts, Philadelphia, PA).
A man of such talent could only end up as the Curator of the Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery.
Roberts has not kept his talent to himself, he has taught many students the ins and outs of his art. He has been the recipient of several awards including, Silver Jubilee Award - Silver Medal (1998), United States 21-day International Visitor Grant (1991), Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to Junkanoo (1983), Bocour Prize for Painting (1981).
Some of Roberts solo exhibitions include, 'Making The Connection' (1998 Central Bank), 'Flight of the Spirit' (Upstairs Gallery 1996) and 'Splash, Scrape and Scrabble' (Upstairs Gallery 1994).
Truly a magnificent person, Antonius Roberts' talent is very reflective of his personality.
"As I push, pull, scrape, and carve my way along a creative journey, I follow the pathways laid down by many who have gone before. It is my intention, however, to embrace all that is revealed to me along the way and use it to expand my horizons."
-Antonius Roberts
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