Frederick “Rootman” Woods

I have been painting and drawing for more than 30 years. I grew up in a small North Florida town called Hampton and began drawing at a very young age. I remember being in elementary school wanting to be the next Leonardo da Vinci. My teachers supported my efforts as I practiced copying the great artist’s work. My older brother bought me my first paint set.

Over the years I experimented with many artistic genres and styles. I am largely self-taught, except for some art classes in school and a few college courses. I am also grateful to several incredible artist friends who shared their expertise with me along the way.

It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I decided to stop giving away my art and become a serious, professional artist. Initially, I concentrated on still life, landscapes, and African portraits. Then my work began to evolve in a more abstract way and I began combining different styles and techniques.

In high school, I played defensive tackle on the football team and earned the nickname “Rootman.” I would get really low and my teammates would say: “Looks like you are rooting in the ground.” The name stuck, but now it is much more about my deep spiritual connection with the energy of the earth, the trees and nature.

My art reflects this connection with spirit – it evokes a kind of soulfulness and emotion that has grown deeper with my own personal spiritual growth. I add my energy to each piece of art. I like telling a story and sharing that vision on canvas.