About | Roberta Rae Garrison “Botanical Art”

Short Bio

“My life, as well as my art is ever evolving". Roberta Garrison has been working with a range of mediums for many years, mostly encaustics, oils, sculpting and now her newfound medium: pressed botanicals.

Statement

Artist’s Statement: “My life, as well as my art is ever evolving. Last year, when the pandemic hit and we were first in lock-down, I dedicated my time to expanding my gardens. Life in New England and its 4 seasons is so special to me. The cycles in weather and the constant change in what grows around us, inspired me to preserve botanicals. I began collecting and pressing everything including flowers, leaves, and grasses. Even weeds can be interesting when pressed. Once my library grew, and endless art projects, it hit me: Birds! With their wings and feathers, they have beautiful movement and strike stunning poses. When still, they are both graceful and elegant. Inspired by photographs, I recreate the bird using only pressed botanicals. No ink, no paint. Among my subjects, are herons, swans, egrets, hummingbirds, duck, exotic birds, etc. With my new Botanical Collection, the beauty is in the detail when seen up close. From afar, they are pieces of art!”

Biography

  Roberta Garrison has been working with a range of mediums for many years, mostly encaustics, oils, sculpting and now her newfound medium: pressed botanicals.
Growing up with a Mother who was a Cultural Attaché for Panama, she is fortunate to have lived in Vienna and Paris and to have traveled extensively. She received her Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of California as well as from the Design Institute of California.
    For over 20 years, her professional career has been as a Certified Interior Designer/Architect. Her love of art remains a huge part of her life. Roberta attributes her life and education in Europe, Central America, and the US to the diversity in her styles of art. Taking art classes from an array of teachers from different countries, has opened her eyes to endless ways to express herself.
    It has been almost 6 years that Roberta and her husband, Peter have moved to Exeter, New Hampshire.