Barbara finds creative inspiration in literature, poetry, and catalytic events both public and private.  “I have to be very focused about individual themes, and usually take the time to build the whole project in my head before starting the real thing,” she says.  “It’s the opposite of what I was taught, but it reserves my physical energy for the final renderings or construction. I can visualize all the possibilities and materials in a limitless way that works for me.” 

Barbara’s art spans a broad range of materials and styles.  She has recently been experimenting with playful mixed media constructions: “Migraine Hat”, and a miniature biplane’s perch entitled “Where Airplanes Come From”.  Her drawing “Philoktetes” comes from Greek mythology, and her typographic illustration of a fairy tale “The Handless Maiden” was derived from a translation of lectures by Marie-Louise von Franz on the psychology of fairy tales.  “I created an illustration for the story out of the actual text of the story.” Barbara explains.