Barbara L. Desrosiers

My venture into mixed media began simply, with small wings formed of polymer clay. Working the clay frequently gives rise to the beginnings of an image. These pieces began to grow more intricate as I incorporated other devices besides clay and paint. Adding wire, stones, gilding or bells brings another dimension to the finished piece. Mixed media offers me a greater freedom than I find in the discipline of a single material.

I continue to work in other mediums and frequently merge my processes. Much of my work bounces from drawing board to computer and back to painted panel. As with life, in my art I see no outlines and no barriers. All is connected. I try to allow myself permission to experiment with whatever technique an idea demands of me, while always trying to remain faithful to the voice deep within.

The path to Barbara’s acceptance of the role of artist has been marked by many unusual road signs. Visitations in dreams and nagging urges of her inner voice finally succeeded in sending Barbara to art school after years of ignoring those needs in favor of family needs. Until then, her work as an artist was merely a small concession to self-expression. It was a dream which led her to return to school for formal study in the field.

Trained in fine arts at the University of Rhode Island, Barbara has also studied informally in art communities all over the world. Her work has always been impacted by her faith as well as her surroundings. A strong relationship with God and her continuous search to understand His presence in the world around her inform and inspire her work, leading her to design pieces which are exploratory in nature while they strive to explain her relationship to creation.

Her marriage to an active duty military chaplain has allowed her to live and work in many different places across the United States and around the world. Born in New Jersey, she began painting at the age of eleven, but didn’t grasp the import of that drive until she was in her third decade. The siren call of spirituality and art still drives her to continue to mature in her work and study.

Barbara L. Desrosiers
E-mail: turtlespirit@mac.com
website: www.turtlespiritstudio.com