A little about me...Rosesharon Oates is an Oakland based Artist
Ro was born in New Orleans, LA and was raised by extended family, mainly on the East Coast. While she is currently calling in a space to reconnect with the Land, her roots run deeply in Oakland, CA, where she has lived, loved and raised her son for the past 20 years. Her unique medium of Pyrography involves detailed, ornate line work & shading on birch panels with a soldering iron, that is then colored with layers of acrylic washes to accentuate the natural grain & innate beauty of the wood. Her work is deeply informed by her community, her Beloveds, and by liberation & social justice movement- particularly by the Medicine Women & Freedom Fighters who are her sisters, she-roes and muses. Ro is consistently engaged in her spiritual practice, particularly from the Orisha tradition, as well as Ancient Wisdom New Thought teachings, where she regularly receives visions & information. Ro is primarily focused on the Divine Feminine Force, as it permeates all of creation and sustains Life. She aspires to embolden, nurture and empower women through her work, so that we may truly embrace our Divine nature and purpose. Some of Rosesharon's recent successes include a Staff Pick editorial in the East Bay Express, an Oakland Art Murmur opening at Temescal Studios, and a 2019 solo exhibit at Brickhouse Gallery in Sacramento, CA. Ro was a 2018 recipient of the City of Oakland's Cultural Arts Funding Grant, utilized to create Project SheRoes, teaching Pyrography at Youth Uprising's Sister Circle and culminating in an art opening portraiting Black and Brown Oakland women in leadership. She is a 2019-2020 Cultural Strategist in Government with the Oakland's Department of Health & Human Services through ReCAST (Resiliency in Community after Stress and Trauma). Her art is currently on display at the Libra Foundation in San Francisco, CA. In addition to facilitating classes for adults in art and in wellness practices, Ro has been a youth mentor, advocate, and educator for over 20 years- an Artist in Residency, Circle Keeper, and Holistic Health Educator, who is passionate about creating more safe space for our Youth to be, to thrive and to have greater agency over their own bodies, voices, and joy. To name a few, Ro has partnered with Youth Uprising, Alameda County Juvenile Hall, Children's Hospital, East Bay Agency for Children, and Destiny Arts. Ro is available for speaking engagements as well as to lead classes & workshops. |