Peggy Roberts Frond Artist

Artist Bio

Uncommon thinkers reuse what common thinkers refuse. — J.R.D. Tata

Whether an uncommon thinker or just a seeker of uncommon art materials, Frond Artist Peggy Roberts transforms Florida’s very common cast-offs into whimsical creatures.

Peggy repurposes most parts of palm trees – from palm fronds and seed pods to their leaves and sawdust, metamorphosing them with a scroll saw and acrylic paints, and adding eyelashes, manes, and other features also from palm tree parts.

Hailing from Bradenton, Florida, Peggy continues to be influenced by the area’s many and varied palm trees and to be inspired by the opportunity to excite others about her repurposed artwork.

Artist Statement

Here in Florida, we step over them, swerve to avoid hitting them, and pile them at the curb for collection.

But one day, I picked one up and studied it – really looked at it. And at that moment I fell in love with palm fronds.

I always challenge myself to use as much of the palm tree as possible, while relying solely on pieces that have dropped from the tree or cuttings from landscapers.

As with the old “which came first” question, many ask me if I see what a frond will become when I first pick it up. Often, I do. But just as often, when inspired to create a new creature, I search my tangled stockpile for a frond or seedpod I can transform to fit my vision.

Initially, the frond I select may be 20 feet long. After sawing it to the approximate size, I match a template I’ve drawn to the frond’s contours. Then I begin more precise cutting with my scroll saw. Once I’ve cut it to shape, I sand the edges – first with a bench sander and then by hand.

I generally use acrylic paints, though the method by which they’re applied can vary. For some of my creatures – or for parts of them – I use a brush to apply paint directly to the fronds’surfaces. To achieve certain effects, such as “bubbling”, I developed a way to paint on a flat surface and affix the paint to the frond once it’s dry. That technique also allows me to add wrinkles, folds, and bumps to my elephants and other animals.When painting the palm leaves I use for ears and manes, spray paint is my medium to make sure the color reaches into all the nooks and crannies. Once painted, each piece is sealed front and back.

Depending on the creature, I add eyelashes, manes, tusks, etc. – all made from palm tree parts. I have also developed “Palm Mache”, using sawdust collected by shop vac from my bench sander. So far, the “Palm Mache” has allowed me to form necks and heads for flamingos; I look forward to discovering more ways to use it in the future.

At times, I must supplement my materials with non-frond items, such as eyes made from glass or plastic, which I paint; and wire used for lobster antennae. As I continue to develop new ways to use fronds, I may be able to avoid this at some point.

I find joy in repurposing materials most people throw away.And I am thrilled when people tell me my whimsical creatures make them smile.