We’re looking forward to introducing you to Roberta Dyer. Check out our conversation below.
Roberta, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This might sound cheesy, but I have four grandchildren who bring me so much joy that sometimes I feel like my heart will burst. They range in age from 5 to 16 and being able to watch them grow and find their way in life is special beyond description.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist. A painter who tries to evoke a response from those who see my art that might lead them on a path to imagined stories and insight. There are those who say that my art isn’t light-hearted and they are right. Life can be serious business and my expressive figurative paintings show people who look like they are facing “something” and finding the strength to move ahead. They are about the indomitable human spirit. I also paint some animals and I believe they tell the same stories as my human renderings do.
I have raised a family in beautiful Point Loma, volunteered for what seemed like “everything”, and gained a lot of friends and satisfaction and joy from all of that. Once my son and daughter were out of high school, and with a big push from my husband, I decided to get serious about my art which had been on the back burner for a long time. It has been a journey that is hard to describe. The creative process is so rewarding and painful and scary. You are bringing out something very personal and putting it on view for others to embrace or reject. I exhibit locally as well as internationally through competitions and I am gratified to have been accepted in both arenas. I started teaching art to adults a few years ago and have found that hugely satisfying. My special talent as a teacher, I think, is in helping other artists find their own voice and style. Past students have told me that I have been helpful to them and I love hearing that.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is such an interesting question. Since I was small, people have seen me as a good student, capable and a good leader. Honestly, I never thought much about it one way or another until I was midway through my teens. At that point, I knew others expected high performance from me and I was happy to deliver when I could. Then I discovered that I wasn’t always happy being the “leader” and sometimes I just wanted to hide. I didn’t enjoy the spotlight and was terrified of speaking publicly.
When I married, my wonderful husband saw all of those things about me – the strengths as well as my reluctance to take on too much responsibility. He helped me embrace my gifts and put away the fears, mostly be just believing in me and telling me over and over that I “could do this”. The end result was that I did become a leader in the community and a recognized artist.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Absolutely the fear of success. After recognition for a hard won achievement, there is an expectation that more success is to come. I think that it is a common fear, and certainly it is for me, that a second success isn’t just around the corner and that perhaps that first achievement is the only one of which you are capable. With the creative process there is always the fear that you may be a one trick pony. I have fought hard to overcome that fear and have been largely successful over the years, but I have to say that the self-doubt is always lurking in a dark corner nearby!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family, my art, my friends and having solitude in part of every day.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Since I am almost 80 years old, I know that ten more years will be a gift if it comes with decent health and mental capacity. I wouldn’t stop doing anything that I am doing now. I have been blessed to have family, friends and a creative life. Who would want to change that?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://robertadyerart.com
- Instagram: Roberta1dyer
- Youtube: robertadyerart
