ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
Raspberries In Glass by Bari Federspiel
Watercolor painting was something I always dreamed about doing. But I didn’t have time; I was too busy working as a different kind of artist. Life changed, and I knew I needed to make my dream a reality. I’ve been painting since 2003 – my work constantly changing as I keep learning and doing new things. I paint subjects I love and strive to glorify God through my work which includes series of still life, pet portraits, and florals. You may notice a few chickens! Lots of different subjects and styles – attribute that to my ADHD. I have fun painting, but take it very seriously – learning as I go, trying new subjects and different ways to look at everyday scenes and objects. I’ve won a few ribbons here and there – many of them “First Place” and some “Best of Show.” It makes my heart happy when others relate to and enjoy my work.
ARTIST’S BIO:
I was born in Arkansas to two struggling college students, including a dad who had just returned from WWII and was getting his education on the GI bill. Because he returned to the military as an officer after earning his degree, we lived all over the world. Both parents are artists; my mother did oils, dad did watercolors, both painted in acrylics. I married Pete Graves in 1967 – a government employee who moved us all over the United States while our children were growing up. During that time I worked as a cake decorator, a splash artist, a piano and theory instructor, and a pre-school teacher. Pete passed away after 36 years together. I realized how short life is, and my dream of watercolor painting needed to happen. I retired from my sign painting/graphics art/splash art 28-year career and found watercolor instructors. I remarried in 2004 to Frank Federspiel who lived next door and had lost his spouse as well. Besides painting, I enjoy crocheting, camping, being in the water, and making messes around the house.
