‘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…
Thank you Barb for sharing your “who I am ” story. So much recognition, although I still live in the country even smaller – a lot smaller! – than Germany: the Netherlands. We love to visit Germany and spend a part of our holidays there by the way.
Just like you I like to explore different art crafts as long as I can remember, and yet now I’m 65 still do. In my work I bring them toeter, as I see you do as well.
Your tutorials are very inspiring and bring new ideas! So thank you for sharing!
Greetings, Ineke van Faassen, Meppel, The Netherlands
When I made the first trip back after 50 years I understood more of why I am the way I am. There’s just nothing like those countries! You are quite lucky too!
Barb, you are an amazing artist and maker and a real inspiration. I so appreciate your blogs and tutorials. I look forward to them. At 70, I’m no spring chicken either but find great satisfaction in trying and succeeding in creating some of your projects! Keep on keeping on! Thanks 😊
Wow, that’s amazing! Kudos to you still making the effort! I love that!
Wonderful life Barb. Thank you for sharing.
Maybe it was the delirium of this darn fever… I spend so much time alone with my art, as my husband still works. It’s nice to hear back a bit from my friends!
Thanks for this! Really enjoyed the wander through your paintings and thoughts.
I was a little apprehensive as images get taken so easily. I’m glad to share!
Barb, I just wanted to let you know how much I look forward to your Sunday morning blog. You make it so easy to think and create….So much inspriation and stimulation garnered in one huge rabbit hole!
Hope you feel better!Thank you for sharing your rich life and all of your beautiful skill sets. It’s nice in this world to have beauty and resourcefulness without pressure and sales pitches, but rather laced with encouragement and joy.
I’m happy that you think that way. If I want to leave anything in this world it is to inspire creativity, that can heal a lot of ails…
I would have been right with you in my boots in the creek in the woods. Your art delights the soul.
It is strange sometimes how we just seem to gravitate to certain things. I’m a bit more cautious nowadays since I do not want to risk a fall. ‘But I do have the memory carved in time and hanging on the wall…
Trovo affascinante tutto quello che fai e anche la tua storia (I find everything you do fascinating, including your story.)
Thank you so much!
Barb, as always you are an inspiration. The need to create in so many forms clearly expresses your absolute NEED to respond to the muse that is constantly inspiring you. Your passion for trying new things with an “I can do that” attitude is infectious. You show us that there are boundless expressive possibilities so one can never get stuck in a creative rut.
And I too, having moved to Canada as a teenager, really love and appreciate the natural beauty, wonderful people, and its respect for the individuality of its citizens.
Peace!
You understand me too well Kirsten! If we were closer we’d have so much fun! I definitely see some art parties in the future! We really need that kind of thing right now…
Glorious day to you Barb!
Thank you for sharing some of your journey, I do love hearing the little stories that go with a certain piece. I am curious, do you have, or would you consider selling digital downloads (via your etsy shop) any of your paintings? I noticed a couple I would live to have on my wall! I find digital downloads an accessible way to have beautiful art. Yours, being hand painted & not ai created would be a treasure. As soon as the snow goes & the garden is in, I am tackling some of your concrete creations, so looking forward to it!
Blessings to you & yours from a chilly western Canada! Victoria
Oh, maybe I will consider that! There is ways to have good quality prints made & shipped on demand. I would love to know that my art would make others happy as well! Somedays, trying to decide the direction to go is the biggest challenge… Greetings from across the country!