Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor of Harlem

We recently had the chance to connect with Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

Roosevelt BlackRose , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
One thing that is truly important is integrity. I say this because it means you have moral consistency ,you’re honest ,reliable and have ethics .

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“From the Renaissance of Old Harlem… a new history is being told through my art.”

Iam Roosevelt “Black Rose” Taylor ia dynamic, versatile, and well sought after Master Painter. He is the son of parents who both were artists; his father, an R&B singer, and his mother, a gifted painter, whom he says, ‘…I inherited the touch from.’ Black Rose was born and raised in Harlem, where he still resides, and has been developing, defining, and perfecting his talent since he was a child. The diversity of his work is evidenced in the various ways he transforms his clients’ visions into one-of-a-kind manifestations on canvas.

Currently featured in Ebony magazine, in connection with the 15th Anniversary Celebration of The Harlem Fine Arts Show, this also marks his 15th year in the Art industry. Black Rose’s commissioned original masterpieces are prominent throughout Harlem and are permanently installed in historic landmark buildings across New York City. His work has been curated internationally and acquired by private collectors and proprietors alike. He is highly recognized for the meticulous way he captures the essence and aura of his subjects, replicating their human nature with warm precision.

Black Rose is widely acknowledged, and eminently regarded, as a member of “The New” Harlem Renaissance. His reputable work makes a significant contribution to the renewed cultural richness of contemporary Harlem. The founder and creator of a new art program, The Harlem Art Club, Taylor is providing access to art classes for children of the community, free of charge.

As a testament of his dedication to the rebirth of his hometown, Black Rose created and designed an exclusive work of art, as a gift to the legendary clothing designer, Dapper Dan. The innovative portrait was presented to honor Dapper Dan’s much anticipated and successful collaboration with the Fashion House, Gucci.

Black Rose’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, in a documentary titled, “Dear New York” by the John A. Reisenbach Foundation and two major cable network shows: “Run the World” [STARZ] and “Harlem” [Prime Video.] In addition, notable publication mentions include: The Amsterdam News, Niji Magazine, South Carolina Voyager, Princeton Magazine, Shaken New Daily, Brew Bound News, and Harlem World News.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The one person who saw me when I didn’t see myself . Was my grandmother Gracie Taylor . She was a beacon of light who open up my artistic ability’s. She instilled in me that I can show people the world through my creations.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Doing 10 years in jail was beyond painful . I lost so many loved ones . It was hard to grieve for them because you cant show weak emotions in jail . People will torment you . So i channel it into building my art company from prison . That’s how Soul artistic trends Art Company was born.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to keeping creativity in the inner city . Harlem is my home and has a lot of program revolving around the arts . This has many of the youth at risk of going to jail or being murdered .

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone . Is my generosity ,giving paintings to families of there fallen loved ones for free . Being the second artist in history to add art to the legacy of Mintons Play House the oldest jazz lounge in Harlem . But most of all for my fight to keep art alive in Harlem .

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos by Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor

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