ARTIST STATEMENT
My art focuses on nature, animal-human hybrids, and stylized close-up faces that, for me, communicate the need for a strong connection between people and nature to help keep our planet healthy and alive. Most of my collages include found and discarded objects that would otherwise end up in the trash. I don’t like throwing anything away that isn’t biodegradable. As a Chicagoan, my work also expresses the tension between staying connected to the natural world and living and working in an urban environment.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am a Chicago native, an artist, and an art educator at a Chicago public school. I have been making art since I was in my teens. I create my work in my home studio. I am an animal lover which can be seen in most of my work. I have a B.A. in studio art from the University of Iowa and a M.A.T. in interdisciplinary arts education from Columbia College Chicago. I live with my husband Jeff (also an artist and art educator) and our four rescue cats Lester, Smokey, Nellie, and Luna. I am also a founding member and volunteer for The Chicago Alliance for Animals.
© Barbara Wieland Krantz