‘Who am I?’ – I’m asking myself…

Hello there! Barb here! I’m sorry, this not your usual post for a specific tutorial. Perhaps it will give you a bit of insight of who I am. We all sometimes step back and look from the outside… Enjoy!

Where did I come from?

Currently I enjoy this amazing country of Canada, having spent over 55 years here! ‘Yup, I am somewhat ‘old.’ But do not be fooled, I have been creative for pretty well all my life! My young family came as immigrants to this wonderful place; appreciating every single part of it.

Thanks to my Dad;

When you come from a smallish country like Germany you really are amazed at how big Canada is and what it has to offer. We spent countless weekends exploring the wilderness and nature’s gifts. Is it any wonder that I gravitated to Eco Printing?! Hikes through the escarpment and Royal Botanical Gardens each week.

That appreciation translated into a career of illustration. Ontario is blessed to have one of the best Art Colleges in the world! I was even so fortunate to also contract teach there for over 20 years. It is so rewarding being able to see the spark in some young artist’s eye!

Where do I love to go:

Our amazing geography of the great Lakes affords many bodies of water, waterfall and creeks! I remember as a child ‘sloshing’ around in the creeks without a worry or device! I use those images as my inspiration for my paintings

So far, I feel like they are part of my ‘soul’ so I hang them on my walls. It also makes me really assess who I am and somewhat let the imperfections exist, which is difficult for me.

What Media do I use?

I believe a true artist can translate art with pretty any media; you see much of that nowadays on Social Media.

There is some practicality that was taught by my mother (a survivor of a war) to use creativity to make useful things. That led me to sew and work with fabrics that I could reuse.

As of late I am starting to see the wonderful way that wool can be used to ‘paint’ with. I get so excited I often can not sleep when I get an idea. You will notice though that the subject matter falls into character.

The Beautiful Landscapes:

Most often there was some element of water in our scenery, fishing, canoeing and trips to the northern lakes. Colour is amazing when you start to see how light dances through the trees and across the rocks!

Ask yourself what really excites you, try not to just follow an exact trend. I still recall the day I walked this creek in my rubber boots with my beloved Pup. The shapes dancing around in the water’s swirls – so mesmerizing!

Rocks!

No wonder I keep circling back to rocks and stones! Concrete creations always seemed a bit odd in relation to painting but I am now sure it is my way to make my own rocks.

Garden Love:

Gardens are a great way of getting some way to enjoy nature, large or small.

Upcycled Supplies and fibres:

If you just buy the expensive craft supplies there’s less chance of being unique. These old wool blankets were printed with the leaves before the needle poking of the wool roving.

It is like having ‘dry paint’ ready to apply and layer. I think I may be converted!

My hands have quite a history:

I often feel really odd to share detailed videos with my hands. The list of all they have done is endless but they do show some disfiguring from arthritis. Thankfully my hands still work great but I wonder what readers would think… I am glad that my new knees are great now!

What is my Style?!

I used to worry that I did not have a ‘style’, but now that I take inventory I see much commonality. Once I became my own boss I would feel free to try what ever I liked. It has been almost 10 years!

Do I like to Sell?

I am a true introvert, I’d rather sit quietly and create than boast loudly. The notion of trying to sell my works can be disappointing, not to mention all the commissions that take from your pocket. I do let some pieces go as I cannot keep them all.

I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit into my life. If you were closer I’d offer you a piece of cake.

‘Coming full circle:

The living room makeover required a new table… (Barb says to herself – make one!) What do you think of the painting!? It is still getting my criticism, as per usual.

Thank you Canada for making this a great home. Thank you for all of you out in the wild world joining in my journey!

Let’s all join & share in our creative endeavours…