Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Lea Stewart (Barb Stewart).
Barbara Lea Stewart (Barb Stewart), we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My natural mother died when I was 3 months old following complications of Rheumatic fever. I was adopted by my natural uncle (my mother’s brother) and his wife. As a child I often felt alone. I believe art and music became and also saved my life. It helped me deal with my mother’s death even before art therapy was developed.
I’m originally from the Western Chicago suburbs, in 8th grade a spokesperson from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago spoke to our Middle school. It was then that I knew that I wanted to go there. Eventually when working on my Associate of Arts Degree, I submitted a portfolio to them. I was accepted and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts. It was one of the best times of my life. Later I volunteered at the Art Institute of Chicago in the Modern Wing. AIC and SAIC will always hold a special place in my heart. I have a feeling of nirvana in the Impressionists and Post-Impressionist wings. I am always inspired by the Joseph Cornell boxes.
I was separated from my natural father’s side of the family until 2014. It was only after my adoptive father death that I had a strong urge to find that side of the family, after a random Facebook find of my stepmother’s page I then posted to an additional NBC fb page article that was about finding your natural family on Facebook. As crazy as it sounds, this actually led to a meeting on the Today Show during a “Father’s Day surprise” segment. After reuniting, I learned my father was an introvert, silver smith and sculptor. We share a lot of personality traits. I have learned so much about my type since then. This event literally changed my life.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Although my art school concentration was pottery and textile design, I’ve been able to produce pieces in many different mediums. This includes watercolor and ink, acrylic and ink, pottery, mixed media-found object, pyrography and gourd art. I strive to keep learning and keep my work spontaneous and experimental. In creating, I try to detach myself from any type of planned outcome. A theme, title, or song always associates itself to the work at some point. I play with balance, structure and the “fit” of the colors or objects within the way they show themselves. I manipulate the work to the point where the piece feels “whole”.
One technique rolls into another. One medium rolls into another. The more you produce, the more you want to produce. I rarely plan anything. I would hope that all people become artists and open themselves up to see the possibilities in all things. That they free themselves from being overly conscious by concluding that they couldn’t possibly be an artist or that they are too insecure to be proud of what they do. There are no mistakes, mistakes can be made into something beautiful. The alleys are full of beautiful things. Tossed objects can be beautiful things. It’s all about perspective and seeing potential.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Just keep doing your art as much as you can. One thing rolls into another. I love “found object art” and have learned a lot that way. Have no expectations and try to meet your “tribe”. If there are no financial rewards at least you have found your people! Push yourself even if it feels uncomfortable, you will learn something from it. On the other hand, take time to decompress and make time for you and only you. You will be your best supporter. Try not to get too cynical and overwhelmed. Learn how to overcome obstacles and be open to miracles. Someday when you least expect it something may change the course of your life in an instant.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The traveling “Playing with Chess” show that has a variety of artists will be at the following locations in 2018.
1) Texas Tech Satellite Gallery – First Fridays July 6th and Aug 3rd.
2) Irving Center for the Arts – from Sept 4th – Nov 25th
3) Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX Dec 3rd to Jan 25th
4) Houston at Lonestar College (Montgomery Campus) in March of 2019
My work can also be seen at Odd ball art society 114 W. Woodard Street Denison, TX 75020. Find them on Facebook too! The rest of my work including mixed media, acrylic and ink, and a whole lot more can be found at my fb and Instagram artist pages, Barb Stewart – Artist. Contact me there with any questions about pricing or feel free add me to your list of friends and contacts. I enter a variety of festivals and shows and update my pages accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Email: barbstewartartist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbs139/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbstewartartist/
Image Credit:
Barb Stewart
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