Rising Stars: Meet Roxanne Grooms of Kettering

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxanne Grooms.

Roxanne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Artistically driven, after high school I took a job in the military as an illustrator, illustrating training handbooks of maps, uniforms, ranks and insignias for US Army troops in the field. I used my GI Bill and started my education at Wright State University then transferred to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where I also did a work/study program at the Minneapolis Art Institute. I finished my fine arts degree with a concentration in drawing and painting from the University of Minnesota. I studied and learned from faculty members, Herman Somberg (from the “Cedar Bar – Franz Kline” days) as well as Victor Caglioti, Tom Rose, Tom Lane, Jody Williams, George Creamer and Andrew Leicester, to name a few. Simultaneously, I pursued Corporate America in the graphic arts realm. That experience enhanced a professional discipline and commitment to my fine art.
I just recently relocated to Dayton in 2021 after 25 years in San Diego. Suffice to say, Dayton has a great art scene and I’m proud to be a part of it.
https://roxannegrooms.com

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Obstacles? There were a few. But none were insurmountable. Life just happens, and you find a new path.
For example, my job could sometimes circumvent my time dedicated to my mixed media visual arts. Even though my employment history always included a form of art, it just wasn’t the same as time spent with my own art. I found a way to fulfill both disciplines. Time management!
Also, my communities offered different degrees of acceptance and support. Some were more robust than others. I looked for organizations who were truly engaged in the art world and offered mentorship. I also found my tribe who unselfishly would support my goals and course-corrected as needed.
Obstacles will always pop up. You just have to be ninja-like!!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My mixed media art is based on intuition. That may not be a solid reference but it simply means, I don’t have a concrete plan when I create. I would argue this is the case for most artists but I know it’s very true for my approach.
What I do:
If forced to describe my process, which I don’t like to do for it makes it seem calculated, I would say it’s layers upon layers of information.
I start by laying down areas of color then as that dries, I add more color and take away and keep repeating that process until areas of the painting are begging to be more apparent. I give those areas significance by dragging color, mark-making, adding color fields, etc.
What happens next is probably the unique aspect of my paintings. I go in and start adding intricate line work on top of all those layers. Those line weavings start to invite the layers beneath to rise up and add to the story.
Observations of my work have been described as mystical environments or landscapes that invite you in to play and get lost.
I hope so!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Get involved as much as you feel comfortable, and when you are not comfortable, keep getting involved. Push your comfort zone . Keep going. Keep exploring. Keep showing up.
I’d rather sit in my studio and create. Hire someone to do the legwork, but people like meeting artists. There’s an intrigue there. And meeting those people gives you fodder for your creative quest!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://roxannegrooms.com
• Instagram: @roxannegrooms
• Facebook: Roxanne Grooms Art