Roberta has spent most of her life in Massachusetts. At 70, she has experienced a variety of artistic outlets. Her love of design began early in life, has stayed with her, and reflects in her current artistic endeavors. Author Kim Donehower (2014) quotes literacy scholar Deborah Brandt as saying “the ability to see…multiple perspectives in a text is a hallmark of advanced literacy” (p, 214). This seems to fit Bearce’s use of multiple literacies and her sharp eye when it comes to color and form. She was influenced by what Donehower calls “tropes of literacy” p. (63). From the time she was a child to now, her art literacy came in the form of “sponsors.” For example, her mother and grandmother awoke her interest in design. At one point, between dancing and painting, Roberta owned a home décor store, inspiring customers with her art literacy, sponsoring their intent to decorate and furnish their homes under her tutelage.

 

Now, Bearce’s home is filled with artwork, all painted by friends who give her the seeds of inspiration. She seems to thrive on learning by modeling the technique of her literacy sponsors. Historically, learning by imitating good writers was a method the Romans, Greeks, and Renaissance educators used for teaching grammar (Glen,1995, p. 23). The same holds true for artists. To this point, artist and scholar Rachel H. Wintemberg wrote:

 

Artists learn from other artists. Each generation stands on the shoulders of its predecessors, reaching a little farther, discovering a little more. Looking at great art will enable you to create more insightful and interesting work, in the same way that reading great literature will make you a better writer. The more ideas you are exposed to, the more ideas you will develop. … You will learn how artists blossom; by copying what inspires them …. (p. 2013)

 

At 70, Roberta is still learning, still seeking new literacies, and still creating. She finds meaning in the work of her sponsors with the idea that her own “readers” might make meaning from her creations.