Last week I took my family backpacking down the coast of Washington State - beginning about 12 miles south of the NW tip. The place is called Cape Alava and is the westerly most point of Washington State. What a huge inspiration!!!!! Between the natural beauty, the wildlife and the petroglyphs, it was hard to ask for more (except maybe a lighter back pack!) It wasn't a huge trip hiking wise, only about 12 miles over a few days. But it was very rich experience-wise.
I worked at an archaeological dig on the Ozette Indian Reservation, just north of Cape Alava, in 1980. An Indian village was buried by a mud slide 500 years ago. The mud made an oxygen tight seal. Fragile things, like cedar bark baskets were found, filled with clams on benches inside houses. It was almost Pompeii like in its complete preservation. I worked mostly as a tour guide at that site (because the other archaeologists didn't like giving tours and I loved it.)
A few days ago I met a man while walking on the Ozette beach. He had photographs taken in 1875 of the village built to replace the buried one. No doubt the photographer was traveling with fur traders. There were images of the canoe put in and the people who lived there.
The fresh trail inspirations will soon be paintings. Enjoy!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
About this Blog
Unlike my website, this blog includes several approaches to painting all in one long stream. For example, my daily paintings are very spontaneous for the most part. I think of them as painted 'sketches.' My larger, more detailed paintings are also here, but included far less frequently.
As you read through this blog, you'll find that there are a lot of references to early experiences that shaped my approach and outlook. They're not chronological by any means. At my website, www.barbaraferrier.com you'll find my Bio is far more chronological. Some of the early experiences - like the desire to improve, and artists who inspired me - never go away - but the list of those I admire increases constantly. In the meantime I have some landscapes to (hopefully) post by Friday!!!
As you read through this blog, you'll find that there are a lot of references to early experiences that shaped my approach and outlook. They're not chronological by any means. At my website, www.barbaraferrier.com you'll find my Bio is far more chronological. Some of the early experiences - like the desire to improve, and artists who inspired me - never go away - but the list of those I admire increases constantly. In the meantime I have some landscapes to (hopefully) post by Friday!!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Barbara's Definition of Art
Balancing intuition, ingenuity and skill to make an impact on the audience is perhaps my ultimate definition of art. Each art trade has its tools. When these 3 components come together with the right balance it feels like 'skiing in the fresh powder.' Even if you have a spectacular wipe out from time to time, which is part of the process, it's just a matter of fine tuning to pick it back up.
When defining 'art' I refer to my experiences in film and stage, as well as my experiences painting. For example the character development of an actor, or timing and story telling for a film director are their art.
Painting, like film, has the opportunity to open up whole new worlds that the mind can enter. That is the part of the field that I value the most.
When defining 'art' I refer to my experiences in film and stage, as well as my experiences painting. For example the character development of an actor, or timing and story telling for a film director are their art.
Painting, like film, has the opportunity to open up whole new worlds that the mind can enter. That is the part of the field that I value the most.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fusion Art
I lived in a farming village in the Katmandu Valley of Nepal and made a film about art in that country while painting a series of landscape paintings. Nepal is a country the size of Tennessee with 550 separate languages. From the jungles in the south to Mt. Everest in the north, it’s not an easy place to get around. Nepal had no western influences until the late 60's. (I was there just 10 years later, in 1979, before running water or reliable electricity.) Traditional arts (on the streets and in the temples) had to transcend language and cultures to influence a very diverse group of people. This explains why some of the traditional artwork is so powerful.
I was most attracted to and influenced by the Nepalese use of color. I believe the strong color captures and helps to convey an emotional truth and transport the viewer. For me color is an essential part of visual language.
My paintings are really a ‘fusion art,’ the visual counterpart to today’s modern fusion music. It’s not really ‘outsider art’ because I’m not self taught. I have a fine art degree in painting and in film making. But the influences that changed my life and made my artwork such a fusion started with my trip to Nepal and the decision to study art through cultural anthropology. After that I traveled extensively and worked on an archeology site on the coast of Washington state and spent years in New Mexico.
I was most attracted to and influenced by the Nepalese use of color. I believe the strong color captures and helps to convey an emotional truth and transport the viewer. For me color is an essential part of visual language.
My paintings are really a ‘fusion art,’ the visual counterpart to today’s modern fusion music. It’s not really ‘outsider art’ because I’m not self taught. I have a fine art degree in painting and in film making. But the influences that changed my life and made my artwork such a fusion started with my trip to Nepal and the decision to study art through cultural anthropology. After that I traveled extensively and worked on an archeology site on the coast of Washington state and spent years in New Mexico.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
How it all Began
I began painting in response to an accident that paralyzed my left hand (for several months). That was years ago!! I had been seriously studying acting and film making, and had the instant realization that my training was intended to be transferred to canvas. It wasn't even a decision - no debate. The accident was perfectly timed as I was on my way to college. I didn’t ‘know’ how to draw or paint. I had stopped trying like most kids around 3rd grade.
I sat down with with 'Yes' Album covers - whose artwork on the cover and accompanying posters were created by artist Roger Dean. I enjoying the process and was very easy on myself. I felt it was my purpose to 'figure it out.'
I took a class at college from a gentleman who changed my life. His name was Carl Hertel. He taught at the Claremont Colleges. He never taught 'how to.' He simply asked really hard questions and waited patiently. I think he believed we knew more than we gave ourself credit for. As he became the expectant student who could not answer his questions for us, we all thrived and embraced his challenge. While he was teaching us some pretty complex brain science - optical illusions, visual perception - he helped us make a habit of noticing small details. Meanwhile he seemed to be raising the self-esteem of our whole class. I know the other students were equally amazed at how he so gently nudged us to learn more than we knew we could.
About 5 years ago he came back to the college to speak. He was in his 80's and as wise as ever. (Former) students flew in from around the country. It felt like no time had passed at all. I give Carl a great deal of credit for continuing to inspire me today and will always be thankful to him.
I sat down with with 'Yes' Album covers - whose artwork on the cover and accompanying posters were created by artist Roger Dean. I enjoying the process and was very easy on myself. I felt it was my purpose to 'figure it out.'
I took a class at college from a gentleman who changed my life. His name was Carl Hertel. He taught at the Claremont Colleges. He never taught 'how to.' He simply asked really hard questions and waited patiently. I think he believed we knew more than we gave ourself credit for. As he became the expectant student who could not answer his questions for us, we all thrived and embraced his challenge. While he was teaching us some pretty complex brain science - optical illusions, visual perception - he helped us make a habit of noticing small details. Meanwhile he seemed to be raising the self-esteem of our whole class. I know the other students were equally amazed at how he so gently nudged us to learn more than we knew we could.
About 5 years ago he came back to the college to speak. He was in his 80's and as wise as ever. (Former) students flew in from around the country. It felt like no time had passed at all. I give Carl a great deal of credit for continuing to inspire me today and will always be thankful to him.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Daily Painting
The forecast is for snow again - which always lands some really warm colors on the palette! It's quite fun, creating a balance. Enjoy!!Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Cascading Ascent
While I'm doing a show this week (hence the few days without a post), I thought I'd share another from my series of women in sports. I hope you enjoy. Wouldn't it be great to be here right now? I know I'd enjoy the views and work out.
Cascading Ascent - 18 x 24 - acrylic on canvas - $950
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Alki Beach Studio, Seattle
Years ago I shared a studio with several artists. It was a public studio located at Alki beach, a Seattle waterfront park. Some artists would paint from live models while others worked on existing projects. Our models usually stumbled upon the studio while walking at the beach. They would come to pose wearing wonderful clothing and hats. One gentleman artist, Willard, used to constantly exclaim "You just have to nail it from the start! That's the best way to paint a painting." He'd struggle away while the woman next to him, who spent years as a professional portrait painter, simply nailed it every time - It was a very fun dynamic to watch the two of them. To this day I still hear Willard, half enthusiastically and half out of frustration, yelling "You just have to nail it from the start!
I completely agree with him. One of the benefits I find in doing the small daily paintings is that I can be loose and experimental so if I don't nail it, it's easy to move on. But of course 'nailing it from the start' is always the best approach - because those are the ones we all live for - collectors and artists alike. Thanks Willard!!
I completely agree with him. One of the benefits I find in doing the small daily paintings is that I can be loose and experimental so if I don't nail it, it's easy to move on. But of course 'nailing it from the start' is always the best approach - because those are the ones we all live for - collectors and artists alike. Thanks Willard!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Rain and Sun
I'm planning a trip to Cannon Beach Oregon in a few days so I had to put this image up! Canon Beach is definitely the rainiest place I've ever been. It's absolutely beautiful!!
Rain and Sun Acrylic on Canvas 10x10x3 $350
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Daily Painting
Moonlit Path - 5 x 7 - acrylic on panel 'Painting a Day'- $250
These Daily Paintings really do take on a life of their own. It seems the more you do the more you let go - while surprising yourself more often and gaining skill. I highly recommend it. I simply can't resist the small canvases. So I've found myself starting several, then selecting the most compelling to develop.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Summer Dream
Summer Dream - acrylic on canvas - 12 x 12 x 3 - $395
Although it's a beautiful winter and we're not done skiing - it feels just right to dream about Summer. Please enjoy!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Daily Painting
Devil's Ridge - Acrylic on Panel - 5 x 7 'Painting a Day - $175
This painting reminds me of the many days my husband and I spent looking for the best places to rock climb. We'd go to places like Joshua Tree in southern California. This shows the long trek to the actual rocks. Often we found canyons with the name Devil in the title - seemingly across the west, so it seemed a natural title. Enjoy!!