Barb Smucker, Mixed Media Collage Artist, Loves her Jelly Family and her Gelli Printing

Show Up or Shut Up with Wendy Solganik

Barb Smucker is a mixed media artist who enjoys layering collage papers and paint to create surprising results. Adding lines, textures, shapes and colors onto a page or canvas allows her to experiment and find enjoyment in the discovery. When you look at her work, she hopes you see the play, the search, and a sense of harmony and spontaneity that she is always after in whatever she makes. Barb is inspired by the beauty found in many of the home arts, including quilting, stoneware pottery and all the gorgeous patterns found in linens and textiles. She is also inspired by nature. Barb has a window in her home studio that looks out toward trees and a stream. The lines and organic material inspire her daily.

Barb has been working at her art making and art practice for many years. Always looking for a way to combine her interest in art and psychology, she has discovered that the practice of art making itself is a wonderful and helpful thing to share. Barb teaches classes locally out of her studio, with art centers, retreat centers and in galleries. Whether she is teaching the principles of art, art journaling, collage, card making, abstract art or painting papers, Barb's goal is always the same. She wants to help people discover joy in the process of art making and notice that they have so much to share.