Press & Features

“Art allows us to be in a place where we can speak with our inner self and assures us that we will be okay in the future.”  - Belle Roth

 The return of the fair this year is a beacon of hope for those who need the arts more than ever this year. Our exhibiting artists wanted to share some exclusive insight into the event with our audience. In particular, they want to share why they enjoy being a part of the event, how they hope the audience responds to their work, and why they feel that this event is especially important to both artists and visitors this year. 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

Style Blue Print | by  Katelyn Caughron 

 “While the world may have pressed the pause button for a minute, I took this time to discipline myself to set bigger goals and then work slowly toward them every day. In 2020, I had openings in New York, Rome and Florence, Italy by three art galleries and added new gallery representations in Spain and Paris. During this time, I realized that through passion, determination, commitment and hard work, no matter what happens, or how difficult the circumstance seems today, as long as you keep moving, life will go on with your pace —and it did.”  - Belle Roth

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

Style Blue Print | by Erica Williams

“What about me?” This introspective question led Belle Roth on an exploratory journey that would manifest into a path of supreme self-rediscovery — all thanks to a few paintbrushes and acrylic colors.

Belle, who works in market development for an international corporation, had never painted before she decided to pick up a brush in 2019. In fact, she often jokes about her mother’s claim that she “barely knew how to hold a crayon while growing up.” But equipped with newfound curiosity and a desire for self-discovery, the 50-year-old wife and mother of three decided to buy a basic art kit as a means of creative expression. Now less than a year since she painted her first piece, Belle’s work has been featured in art galleries and shows across the world, including Florence, Barcelona and New York. Currently, the self-taught contemporary artist is gearing up for a collection of international shows this fall. 

 Belle, who now calls Memphis home, was born in Manila, Philippines. An avid traveler, her love for wandering is often displayed in her art, each piece telling a unique story of adventure and exploration using an array of cities as her backdrops. Though she makes the balance look easy — juggling a full-time career, assisting her husband with his charitable endeavors and navigating the sudden spotlight as an artist — Belle admits that it’s all about self-discipline and frequently evaluating her priorities. The budding artist spoke to StyleBlueprint about her season of rediscovery and what she’s looking forward to next in her artistic journey. Meet our newest FACE of Memphis!   (continued...) 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

Memphis Flyer | by  Michael Donahue

You never know what you can do until you try.

Just ask Belle Roth.

Roth, 50, who works in principal market development for a global corporation in Memphis, decided to take up painting last year. She had never painted before. She bought a few art supplies, painted two abstracts, posted them online, and two weeks later a New York gallery contacted her and soon began representing her. She now has shows booked in Florence, Portugal, Barcelona, Zurich, Miami, and New York. 

“My mom was telling me earlier, ‘You didn’t even know how to to hold a crayon when you were growing up,’” Roth says.

Born and raised in Manila in the Philippines, Roth played piano, sang, and sewed when she attended an all-girls’ school. “But nothing stood out.”

She was more interested in being in leadership roles. She was the platoon leader in her Girl Scouts troop. She coordinated sports events between her school and a boys’ school. “It’s really about behind-the-scenes organizing,” she says.  (continued...) 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

February 22, 2020 

The Peabody Hotel 

Image:  Belle Roth 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

 Editorial  Interview   

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art-making?

Art has always been a part of my life. I gained an appreciation for the arts while growing up in Southeast Asia. After experiencing art, music, and travel at a young age, I unveil my life experiences through my visual interpretation of colors and textures on canvas.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

My art reflects my life in general. It is pulling from a lot of positive thoughts, working from instinct, revisiting on precious experiences and the thought of “what ifs” as a foundation.  

Where do you get your inspiration from?

At a young age, I witnessed discrimination based on how people were treated based on their social economic standing. This served as my personal goal related to advocating for equality and respect.  I value sharing positivity towards others.  I have travelled extensively, and I saw similarities in various places. My art captures what I felt at that place and moment in time.        (continued...)

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

Editorial  Interview 

 What’s your background?

I have a business background and hold a global market development role for a multinational company. Being exposed to art and travel at a young age transformed into how I see the world.  I learned early that there are lots of things that you don’t learn in business school, such as empathy towards other people, sensitivity to the unspoken words. 

What does your work aim to say?

My work reflects my hope for a better society that supports co-existence and equality. 

How does your work comment on current social or political issues?

Each intentional splash of color in my work is a reminder that imperfections can express something meaningful.  My hope is that people will look beyond their current situation and discover new and exciting opportunities. I aim to encourage everyone to see the world in a perspective that is full of vibrance, unification, and positive thoughts.  (continued...) 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth      

 Editorial  Interview  

Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

Art found me at the time that I needed it most. For years, I was living vicariously through my lovely daughters and when they graduated from college, I felt a sudden rush to discover who I am as an individual. An hour of playing with brushes and paints led from one thing to another until one day a gallery in New York reached out to me - -the rest is history.

What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?

My process is driven by two things. Inspiration and Emotion. For me , one cannot exist without the other. For me, showing gratitude is the most powerful emotion and this is secondary nature to me. Every morning, I write everything that I am grateful for even if they don’t exist at that time whether it’s a place, person or an event that I find meaningful in my life. This simple act of being grateful suddenly builds  positive energy inside me that leads to an inspiration and a stronger desire to manifest my thoughts into a tangible matter that I can share with  rest of the world.

What do you love most about your creative process?

Discovering who I was, who I am and who I want to be during the creative process is what I love most. Since I use various mediums and experiment with techniques, I am aware that I am constantly evolving in the process as a result,  I become more sensitive to recognizing my strengths and weaknesses as an artist and as a person.  (continued...) 

 **contemporary art/abstract art/abstract painting **  Belle Roth