ABN: Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Roberts: In a sense, I’m always “working.” But, when I’m not out photographing, you might find me at my gallery in Helena, exploring different ways to present art, studying encaustic art, or even making pottery at the clay studio. Or cooking!
ABN: What’s something that has enhanced you as an artist?
Roberts: I have recently been pursuing a different photographic technique called ICM, which utilizes a long exposure and intentional movement of the camera. It’s a great way to pull light and lines to get wonderful abstract images with one exposure. I like to call it “bending light.” I think any time you explore different aspects of your art, or different genres of art, it enhances your primary art medium.
ABN: What are your plans for 2025?
Roberts: In addition to exploring Montana, I have a couple of projects for 2025. One is to create a photo essay that documents the creation of a rawhide riata. I met an elderly gentleman who has done this rawhide work for many years. It’s fascinating and I’m working with him to document that. The other documentary project I’m working on is to photograph Missouri’s springs and grist mills—many of which are in the area that I’m from and have familial significance. Somewhere in these projects, art pieces will also be created.