Searching for truth with Roe LiBretto.
- Heather Esqueda
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Roe LiBretto is a visionary surrealist painter based in Albuquerque New Mexico. She creates allegorical paintings that portray human experiences and serve as meditative pieces which offer an opportunity for the viewer to gain insight into their own subconscious/unconscious self.
I had the true pleasure of sitting down with Roe and engaging in an enlightening conversation. I was profoundly moved by her thought-provoking insights on her experiences and her work. I was moved to tears several times as she described the meaning behind some of her work, finding reflections of myself in many of her pieces. Isn't that the essence of art? Discovering ourselves or forming connections through an artist's depiction. Perhaps we can't reach that part of ourselves alone, and the real power an artist possesses is guiding us to that space, helping us access a piece of ourselves—unlocking an inner portal. That's what Roe did for me today.
Roe was kind enough to answer some fun questions to help us all get to know the person behind the watercolor. Here's what she said:
What are you currently reading or listening to?
I'm reading anything I can find on residential irrigation systems. This week I replaced float valves, risers, and emitters and planted some shrubs. I still hafta dig up and replace two sprinkler heads. I'm pretty handy but I've got a love/hate relationship with home repair. I like it when it's not imperative and hate it when it's inconvenient.
What inspires you, both in your work and your life?
Silence, the intruding spontaneous imagery that I paint, medieval illuminated manuscripts, and my innate pragmatic optimism. Oh, and at the moment … cockatiels. Honestly, I know nothing about them but watching reels of cockatiels makes me giddy, like life is fun, and everything's gonna be ok. I wouldn't want to live with one though, as I already have enough chaos in my life.
Do you have a personal mantra? If so, what is it?
You already know from my painting The Purpose of Gods that I believe our gods are like video game avatars that reflect the ideals to which we aspire. A simple example is to say that if we think the world is harsh, we act in response to that and create/follow/fear/emulate gods that deal out hardcore judgment on humanity. Conversely, if we believe the world is a nurturing and forgiving place, we reflect that in our behavior. With that in mind, it's hardly surprising that I remind myself that “I am a radiant manifestation of a divine and loving god.” It actually makes me feel physically lighter, kinda floaty, like the Sacred Being in the painting.
Tell us about one of your current favorite pieces of your own.
It's one that I'm working on now for Lapis Room's August exhibit at Fusion. Though I sketch often, I don't paint all the visions I have. I sketched Screw Loose and Fancy Free about three years ago and I love it 'cause it's zany and round! I usually compose paintings in a rectangular or square format. It makes them easier to store and ship. The straight edged picture plane also creates a staid, balanced feeling in me as I paint. Like being grounded. But not this one … even in sketch form, Screw Loose feels unsettled. Like it can roll away with me chasing after it.
How do you hope your work will impact your community?
I believe that creatives working in all media dedicate their lives by choice, madness, or spiritual possession to serve as conduits of data from the collective unconscious to educate and/or elevate humanity. Yeah, that's a pretty heady statement, but you've seen my work, right? The imagery that passes through me is a visual nudge for the curious to learn more about themselves. My hope is that in using these paintings for self-exploration each viewer will find that they're not so different from the next guy. Sure, depending on how you were raised you may express your need for safety, love, and self- actualization differently, but at a grass roots level, that need is what we have in common.
And most importantly, for fun of course, what is your go-to coffee order?
Decaf black, paired with a pain au chocolat. Bitter and sweet … just like life.
"Just like life."
I love how Roe's words and imagery blend to form a deep significance that we can embrace, helping us find meaning and inspiration in our own lives.
Thank you, Roe. It was an honor to get to know you.
Xo,
Heather
Photos:
Top Left: "I got licensed to operate this articulated boom lift so I could help my friend Denise Weaver Ross paint the two story mural at Orpheum Community Hub"
Bottom Left: "Some painting tasks are best done outdoors on overcast days."
Top Center: "Laying in the base coat for Raising Consciousness, a work commissioned for the office of Rekonnected Massage Therapy."
Bottom Center: "How I feel when I think about the story in my painting Beware the Company You Keep."
Right: "Packed, waiting to bring my work to Art Santa Fe."
Find out more information about Roe and her current work showing at Lapis Room:
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