Join us Friday, April 24th from 7:00pm – 10:00pm for the Gainesville Art Walk, and the opening of “ROOTMAN’s” exhibit at Wild Iris Books.

Fred’s work will remain on display until Friday, May 22nd.

The images in my paintings are naturally occurring designs that stimulate creative and spiritual forces to reflect the beauty awaiting discovery within ourselves.  My art traverses a course that mimics life’s mysteries as well as life’s discoveries.  I enjoy exploring different perspectives, the subtleties of color, and using a visual vocabulary of vivid color.  Over the years I have experimented with abstract ideas in terms of how shapes relate to each other and the role of negative space.

Copying images out of books, I started as an artist at an early age.  My work is largely self-taught since high school art classes and a few college courses were my only formal training.

A native of Florida, I have developed a love for the versatility of growth and enlightenment as well as the full tenure of life’s vibrant emotions.  I have works included in numerous private and corporate collections in the Gainesville area.

Root means basic – source of all growth and potential which anchors the experiences of whole thing and man – one manifestation of all humanity.  While ROOTMAN is a name I gained playing high school football, I hope my art transcends such labels as African American or native artist.

By: Cheryl
Cheryl is a computer networking professor at Sante Fe College for the past 14 years and is a highly sought after internet and computer consultant. Previous to her tenure at Sante Fe, Cheryl spent seven years working for the American Red Cross in Jacksonville. During that time she served as a founding member of the North Florida Aids Network, Vice-Chair of the North Florida Drowning Prevention Coalition and wrote many grants for HIV/AIDS education training. Cheryl has, also, had the privilege of being mother to two wonderful human beings. Her 19 year old son Sean and 17 year old daughter Jessie have been very supportive of her commitment to Wild Iris Books and have been very helpful its growth and success. Cheryl is the logistical and strategic thinker of the team who is one of the most non-judgmental, compassionate persons on the planet.
Website: http://friendsofwildiris.org/members/cheryl/