Alma Roberts

Work samples

Elixir.jpg

We are a magical mixture all humanity. Our brilliance, resilience, and perseverance are the essential fibers of our existence. We are every human's ancestor. "Elixir", acrylic and canvas scraps, on canvas, 48" x 48"

Available for Purchase

$10,000, unframed
Interposed

Interposed to settle, reconcile, calm, rectify, and resolve with faith love, and compassion. The painting is acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2021
The Rite of Transfer (1) (1) (1).jpg

"The Rite of Transfer" acrylic and ink on canvas, 36" x 36", 2024

Available for Purchase

$9,000 framed
Indigenous

Steeped in the traditional colors and symbols of water, sun, and tribal community bonds, this work pays homage to my Native America heritage. Indigenous, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2021

About Alma

Alma Roberts Studio Alma Roberts is a second generation abstract expressionist painter who "paints her way through life" with vivid abstractions rich in passion, history, and the stories she has lived. She is a rising talent despite having recemtly celebrated her 75th… more

View Alma's Resume

Heads and Bodies

While I identify myself as an Abstract Expressionist painter, some of my early works were bodiless heads and headless bodies. These works express my emotions, my social consciousness, and document my commentary on a host of issues, but they are indeed figurative.

Those Masked and Sacred

Those Masked and Sacred pays tribute to those on the front lines of the COVID pandemic fighting for lives while theirs were in jeopardy. Acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40", 2020
Beautiful Heart

Acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24", 2015
Driven to Madness

"Driven to Madness" We all walk a razor's edge between sanity and functional madness. This is my depiction of what I imagine it would look like if it got to be true madness. The eyes say it all. The painting is acrylic on canvas, 20" x 20", 2016
Woke

Woke. Despite my age, I remain woke to social activism. I desire to do so until I can't. I must hold hope that things can be different and better. Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24", 2017
Two Spirit

Two Spirit is the term Indigenous people use to describe individuals who display both male and female demeanors. These are revered individuals in the Indigenous Cultures. Acrylic on canvas, 30" h x 24" w, 2016
Steady Breaths and Clear Vision

Steady Breaths and Clear Vision, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24", 2018

Available for Purchase

Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24", 2018, $1,500
The Spirit of My Ancestors

Spirit of My Ancestors, acrylic on canvas, 30" w x 40" h, 2016
A Vessel Full of Power

A Vessel Full of Power is in the permanent collection at JELMA (James E. Lewis Museum of Art at Morgan State University). Acrylic and fabric on canvas, 24" w x 36" h, 2018.
The Transfiguration of Freddie Gray

Transfiguration of Freddie Gray, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 36", 20215
Unexpected

Unexpected, Acrylic on canvas, 20"x20", 2015

The Impact of Race and Racism

I am deeply engaged in exploring the impact of racially motivated acts that shaped or misshaped the social, economic, educational trajectory and wellbeing African-Americans in this country. From the paintings, The Sorrow of the Stolen Ones, The Ultimate Sorrow, Strange and Bitter Fruit, to one of my most recent works, They Found the Clotilda, I am probing and documenting the history, that I am, as a 75 year old African American, still unearthing and digesting. This project presents some of what will be an ever-evolving body work for the remainder of my time.

"Tear" Dress

Several Native American tribes have fashioned a dress by tearing pieces of cloth into squares and rectangles and sewing them together. They called them tear dresses. My painting uses the phrase "Tear" Dress to pay homage to the many Native American women who have gone missing. Tear (as in to rip) becomes Tear ( as to shed a tear). Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30", 2023.
Stacked and Fitted

We came to this country stacked, fitted, and chained in the bottoms of ships. We have since been caged and shackled in prison cells, and stacked in blighted urban housing projects. We have been cramped and fitted in under- resourced and overcrowded schools, but “still we rise” and stand out, and excel. Stacked and Fitted, acrylic and ink on canvas, 60" x 40" (framed), 2022

Available for Purchase

An original one of a kind painting, Acrylic and ink on canvas, 60" x 40" (framed), 2022, $10,000
A Strange and Bitter Fruit

A Strange and Bitter Fruit is a painting that reflects the inhumanity of lynching. The title of the work is a line from the song, Strange Fruit, by Baltimore Singer, Billie Holliday. She experienced the brunt of racism and racists traveling through the Southern States. Her experiences are not that dissimilar to what Black people continue to experience today including the heinous act of lynching. Racism impacts my daily life and while I paint hope into all of my work, it is done with a heavy dose of skepticism. Acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 24", 2023

Available for Purchase

A one of a kind original work, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 24", 2023, $6,000
The Ultimate Sorrow

When we reflect on the trauma of slavery, we think mostly of those individuals ripped from their families and their homelands, but we must mourn as much for those left behind to grieve. The Ultimate Sorrow, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40", 2022
The Last Breath

George Floyd called for his Mother with his last breath. With all my heart, I hope she found comfort in knowing his last thoughts were of her. Acrylic and ink on canvas, 30"w x 40"h, 2020.
Twenty Aboard the White Lion

The first but far from the last ship to harbor the stolen cargo of my Ancestors sequestered in its wooden, seafaring, belly. Twenty Aboard the White Lion, acrylic on linen canvas, 48" x 50", 2020.
4,743 Recorded

Lynching is the most heinous act of inhumanity that has been perpetrated on people of color in this country. There are 4,743 lynchings recorded, but we all know that there have been many, many more. The painting 4,743 Recorded is acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2022

Available for Purchase

A one of kind original painting, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2022, $5,000
The Recursive Nature .jpg

There is nothing new under the sun. Trends, actions, perspectives, policies repeat in predictable patterns, era after era. Such is the case with the recursive nature of race relations and its under belly racism. We are living through a period where racism seeks to revert to the old ways, suppression of knowledge, opportunity, and inclusion. The Recursive Nature, acrylic and ink on canvas, 60" w x 25"h framed, 2024.

Available for Purchase

One of a kind original painting, acrylic and ink on canvas, 60" x 35" framed, 2024, $13,500.00
Look at What Just Happened

Again and again and again, the trauma of racism plays out across this country and in every part of this world. Look At What Just Happened, Acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2020
Indigenous

A tribe to my Native American heritage. Indigenous, Acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2021

The Fabric of Social and Political Justice

The role of the artist is to champion social justice, to give a "voice" to the underserved, the marginalized, to assist the environmental advocates, and more, all for enhancing the wellbeing of humanity. We must never shy away from the frank portrayal of injustice and the hope for equity and justice for all.

Unredeemed

The City of Flint, Michigan has been unredeemed for sometime; left to the issues presented by a contaminated water supply like the poorest of third world cities. Unredeemed, acrylic on canvas, 22" w x 28"h, 2016.
Be Opened

Jesus used the word Ephphatha (Be Opened) to employ God to heal the deaf and mute. This painting employs all of us to be opened to heal ourselves from the self-inflicted “wounds” and “ills” of divisiveness. Be Opened, acrylic on linen canvas, 52" x 40 " (framed), 2023,

Available for Purchase

Be Opened, acrylic on linen canvas, 52" x 40 " (framed), 2023, $10,000
Filling In the Missing Pieces.jpg

Our country is a period of dichotomous thinking and acting. It is a period of both reckoning with our history and at the same time, working rigorously to bury it, deny it, and change it. The painting "Filling In the Missing Pieces acknowledges the need to bring truth and reconciliation to the history as we currently know it. The history that marginalizes the role African-Americans and Native Americans have played in the development and prosperity of the tapestry of our history.

Available for Purchase

Original, one of a kind framed painting: acrylic and Ink on canvas, 36"w x 48"h, $9,500
Man in a Box

Man In A Box is may commentary on mass incarceration or man dehumanization as I choose to call it. Years ago, I visited a prison in my home state to help inmates form a literary group. I got to see firsthand how these men and women were made to "live" and I have never nor will I ever forget the sadness in all of those eyes. Man In a Box is acrylic on canvas, 12"x12", 2011.
Empty Windows

Home is where the heart is has such meaning to me. I have warm, comforting memories of growing up in a house filled with people who loved and cared for me and provided for all my needs. Empty Windows is to remind me and all who view it that each and every minute of every day hundreds of thousands of people in our country are homeless, and hungry. We must all become social justice advocates. Empty Windows, acrylic on canvas, 22"x28", 2016
Common Ground (1).jpg

A diverse society can not thrive on divisiveness. We must embrace inclusiveness and find the common ground upon which we can co-exist. Common Ground, acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2023

Available for Purchase

A one of a kind original painting, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2023, $5,000
Women Walking Ardently

Women are by nature, advocates. We are the fierce protectors of our homes, our children, our virtues. Women of Color, linked arm in arm have fought and won more battles then history can record and recount. We’re still marching. Women Walking Ardently, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24"x24", 2022

Available for Purchase

Women Walking Ardently is acrylic and ink on canvas, 24"x24", 2022, $3,500
Without Mercy

Children in cages like in a zoo without mercy. "Without Mercy", acrylic and resin on canvas, 36"x36", 2018

Available for Purchase

Acrylic and resin on, 36" x 36", 2018 $5,000
Truth In The Midst Of Doubt (1).jpg

Truth In the Midst of Doubt, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24"w x 36"h, 2019

Available for Purchase

Truth In the Midst of Doubt, acrylic and ink on canvas, 48"x36", 2019 $6,500
CaliforniaSkiesAreBurning

Mother Nature is fighting back. California Skies Are Burning, acrylic on canvas, 30"x40", 2020

Available for Purchase

That Would Be Me

I am on a journey that should be a movie. I am in the senior years, having the time of my life, fully engaged in many roles and meaningful activities. All of it is like a patchwork quilt with every chapter full of passion, commitment, activism, and then, beginning at the age of 62, my art that is life sustaining. I often say that " I paint my way through life" and indeed that is what I will continue to do.

In the Morning When I Awake

Morning is a sacred time for someone my age. It is both a time of joy and anxiety. Joy, because I have lived to see the dawning of another day; anxiety because I am keenly aware that this morning means there is one less in the lifetime of mornings we are given. There is also joy in knowing that this day can be spent with loved ones doing the things that make us happy. There is some anxiety in knowing and accepting the responsibility of living the day to its fullest in service to others and for the betterment of self. In the Morning When I Awake, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2024.

Available for Purchase
Sawubona

Sawubona, I see you. You see me. I acknowledge your existence and you acknowledge mine. We value each others presence. We are jointly a part of humanity. Acrylic, ink, and painted canvas scraps on circular canvas, 20" in diameter, 2023.

Available for Purchase

Acrylic, ink, and painted canvas scraps on circular canvas, 20" in diameter, 2023. $3,500
Patched: To Mend and Strengthen

Patched: To Mend and Strengthen, acrylic and mixed media on canvas. 48x48, 2023
Dancing 'Til Dawn

I shall be "dancing" until it is my time to meet the dawn. Dancing 'Til Dawn, acrylic and ink on canvas, 36x36, 2021
My Urgent Mind

In realizing my mortality, my mind and soul want to do, learn, be all that I can in the time I have. My Urgent Mind, acrylic and paper on canvas, 36x36, 2021
True to Our Native Land (1)

True to Our Native Land, acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2021
Cover Me With Love

I have been able to traverse the winds of adversity and conquer major challenges because of the bonds of love and support that have blanketed me all my life. Cover Me With Love, acrylic and cold wax on canvas, 36" x 36", 2023

Available for Purchase

Acrylic and cold wax on canvas, 36" x 36", 2023, $6,000
Mas Amor

More love for everyone from everyone! Amen. Mas Amour, acrylic on canvas, 36x36, 2018

Available for Purchase

Mas Amour, acrylic on canvas, 36x36, 2018, $6,000
Stepping Stones

On the "backs" and the will of my ancestors, I have succeeded. Stepping Stones, mixed media on canvas, 48"x48", 2022.
One Of A Kind.jpg

A one of a kind, a maverick, a risk taker, outspoken, advocate, and activist, that would be me. One of A Kind, acrylic on canvas, 48'x48', 2024

Available for Purchase

One of A Kind, acrylic on canvas, 48"x48, 2024, $10,000

Small Works on Paper and More Ink

I was requested by a gallerist to prepare small works on paper to include in their space. Out came these works that are mostly acrylic and ink on watercolor paper.

An Inconvenient Change In Circumstances
Like Uncoiling a Serpent

Like Uncoiling A Serpent, acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, image size: 12" w x 9", framed size: 15" w x 12" h, 2023

Available for Purchase

$2,500
Lyrical .jpg

Lyrical, acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, 12"wx15.5h", 2024

Available for Purchase

An original work, acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, 12"w x 15.5"h framed, $2,500
Meaningful Discourse

Meaningful Discourse, acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, 24"x24" framed, 2023

Available for Purchase

$3,000
Living Like Lace

acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, 11.5x 8.5, 2023

Available for Purchase
Confluence

Confluence, acrylic and ink on watercolor paper, 24" w x 32"h, framed, 2023

Available for Purchase

$3,000
Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope, acrylic and alcohol ink on watercolor paper, 18.25" w x 20" h, 2023
Snare.jpg

Snare, acrylic and mesh wire on watercolor paper, image- 9" x 12", 11"x14" framed and matted

Available for Purchase

$2,500
Constant Elevation.jpg

Constant Elevation, acrylic on watercolor paper, 26" w x 20"h (framed), 2023

Available for Purchase

$3,000
An Opening In The Sky

An Opening in the Sky, acrylic on watercolor paper, 26" w x 20" h (framed), 2023

Available for Purchase

$3,000

Things In Life I Can't Explain

The mysteries of life, culture, environment have stoked my interest all my life. Now I paint about them, still with little or no understanding of the how and why of some of these things.

Upload

We live in an environment where all sorts of data magically get transported from page to page, device to device, from written to audible. Billions of points of data are emailed, scanned, faxed, and texted each and every minute of every day. The how it happens is a mystery to me. The why these data don't get all scrambled in whatever universe they traverse, is an even more phenomenal mystery to me. Upload, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30", 2022.

Available for Purchase

A one of a kind original painting. Upload, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30", 2022, $3,500
Prism

Bending light is an interesting concept. Bending white light and revealing a spectrum of 7 primary colors is so awesome but quite a mystery. Prism, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 60" x 40", 2022.

Available for Purchase

Prism, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 60" x 40", 2022. $5,000
Distant Stars In Urban Skies

Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30", 2017
World Without End

The earth is round and yet we don't slide off. About 8 billion people, a plethora of animals, plants, and sea creatures co-habit on its surface. Bodies of water ebb and flow constantly in sync with earth's moon. The earth has rotated and turned in the same manner for millions and millions of years, and for at least the last 4.5 billion years. the earth has done all this without smashing into another planet or stars or its own moon, much less change its orbit and gone off in a new direction. World Without End, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2021
A Reflection in Dark Waters

What an inexplicable wonder. I can peer into a body of water and see a reflection of myself and all that surrounds me. The water can reflect the light and swallows up the dark; all at the same time. A Reflection In Dark Waters, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 30", 2022

Available for Purchase

Reflection In Dark Waters- acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 30", 2022, 7,500
A Night Full of Dreams

Where do I go on those nights when I have vivid dreams? How close are we to other worlds and realms? I began painting because in a dream state 13 years ago, I was instructed to do so. A Night Full of Dreams, acrylic on canvas, 46" x 48", 2021

Available for Purchase

Full of Dreams - acrylic on canvas, 46" x 48", 2021, $7,200
This Side of Understanding

Truth is a myth. There are at least 2 sides to every story and a myriad of interpretations. Facts are reinvented and history is rewritten. Something like art being in the eye of the beholder, truth is what the teller believes.This Side of Understanding, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 30", 2023

Available for Purchase

Acrylic and ink on canvas, 24" x 30", 2023, $6,500
In the Beginning

A seed before it becomes a seedling, a nebula before it becomes a star, a zygote before it becomes an embryo, all begin as balls of energy and light searching for a place to nestle and grow. It is fascinating that things around us that are so disparate, have beginnings so similar. In the Beginning, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 52.5" x 40.5" (framed), 2022.

Available for Purchase

Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 52.5" x 40.5" framed, 2022, $10,000
The Mystery of Pi

Pi is a mathematical value that is literally endless and when applied to circles of any size, its value remains the same. SMH. The Mystery of Pi, acrylic on canvas, 60" x 48", 2023

Available for Purchase

Acrylic on canvas, 60" x 48", 2023, $10,000
What Happens At Night

Stars, planets, moon, the sun all traverse an interglactic universe for hundreds of thousands of years and only on rare occasions does something go awry. What Happens At Night is me postulating that a lot more goes on away from our "naked eyes." What Happens At Night, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 24", 2022

In Search of Solace

I paint my way through life and so much of life is filled with noise, pain, stress, and divisiveness. I am prioritizing solace and rewardin my art, in my friends, my engagements, and especially through my art.

A Broken Heart Still Has Some Joy

A Broken Heart Still Has Some Joy, acrylic on canvas, 44" x 34" (framed), 2022

Available for Purchase
New Life

New Life, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2017
Eulogy.jpg

The summation of my heritage and my legacy. Acrylic and paper on canvas, 60"w x 48"h, 2024

Available for Purchase

Eulogy, acrylic and paper on canvas, 60"w x 48"h, 2024, $14,000
How I Wonder (1).jpg

My creative process amazes me. I can start with a thought, a color, a pattern and end with a painting with complex dimensions and messages and I can barely remember how I created it. I do know that I feel joy, and fulfillment, and a profound sense of accomplishment. "How I Wonder", acrylic and paper on stretched canvas, 60"w x 48h " framed, 2024

Available for Purchase

How I Wonder, acrylic and paper on stretched canvas, 2024, $11,500
This Is Where I Belong (1).jpg

This Is Where I Belong, acrylic and cold wax on canvas, 52"w x 28"h, 2024

Available for Purchase

This Is Where I Belong, acrylic and cold wax on canvas, 52"w x 28"h framed, 2024, $9,500
Dancer

Dancer, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18", 2011

Available for Purchase

Dancer, acrylic on canvas, 24"w x 18"h, 2011, $900
A Place of Solace

A Place of Solace, acrylic and ink on canvas, 36 x 36, 2020
Calmed

Calmed, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36, 2023

Available for Purchase

Calmed, acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2023, $8,500
What's Behind the Noise

What's Behind the Noise, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36", 2019

Available for Purchase

acrylic on canvas, 36"x36", 2019, $8,000
Working On Happiness

Working on Happiness, acrylic and ink on canvas, 36" x 36", 2021

Available for Purchase

Acrylic and Ink on canvas, 36"x36", 2021, $8,500