kaleidoscope bursting to emerge. She started knitting when she was four, adapting patterns to add her own twist. Art classes were too prescriptive; why did she have to follow the rules and conventions of someone’s formula when she had her own concepts? Patchwork followed, but straight edges frustrated her and the more she observed a wider world of creativity, the more she realised she could break free from the constraints of other people’s ideals to follow her own.
assessed the weather and her own plans for the day, she sets up her camera-phone tripod wherever appropriate and assembles her ‘outfit of the day’. Her digital audience are mesmerised as they watch her layer today’s ensemble onto her petite frame, including her own knits, “I include the pattern references as I’m often asked for details,” and selects accessories such as belts, statement jew- ellery, vibrant gloves, scarves, coats and often a hat – berets are her preference and she has many. Oh and shoes, the funkier the better. Sometimes she’ll do a little happy-dance and there is always a bouncy tune overlaid on the reel. Then she deftly edits it and posts the same content across all her platforms.
The responses come in thick and fast, with talk of motivation, inspiration, and admiration. Though it’s not all constant positivity, “I’m not trying to ‘be’ anything, just me, and I can’t believe how interested people are. I’m not preaching to anyone. Though sometimes I do get nasty comments telling me how ridiculous I look and what a mess I work in- if the comments are too offensive, I block those people and move on.”
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Her first fabric artwork was created from organza ribbons but then developed into her now signature style, a sheep’s face. Layering strands of different textures, at first glance it looks like an oil painting, until you notice the 3D effect that gives it such movement. Barbara moved to Herefordshire to be nearer to her children and, inspired by the scenes she encounters, her work depicts impressions of local animals, birds, even food and drink, people, landscapes, buildings and towns, all clearly identifiable to those who have been there. “I’ll see a pattern on a fabric or a trim and think ‘that would make a good eyebrow’” she giggles, as she scrabbles around in her material scraps.
By now we are in her top floor workroom, which is streaming with important light. What should have been a master bedroom suite has been repurposed to her happy place. Shelves hold clear boxes stuffed with colour-coordinated textiles of all variety, a big easel stands with a work-in-progress on it, and the floor has little piles of fabric shreds. “I used to stick the layers of fabric with glue, but this makes the image look rather flat. Hand- stitching the scraps together means I can create more texture and movement in the picture” she explains.
Her work is enthralling, magical, whimsical, yet incredibly clever. Each piece tells a story and thank goodness they sit within carefully selected mounts and glass frames because they are irresistibly tactile. Yes, she does sell these works of art in regional galleries, as well as making very personal gifts for family, especially her beloved grandchildren. Barbara has been Artist-in-Residence at two National Trust properties, has work in two county museum collections and has exhibited widely including in The Natural History Museum, Oxford and a piece of her work was in an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament. She has also featured on a BBC children’s TV programme, Junk Rescue.
The Secret to Authentic Success Yet, originally encouraged by her daughter to post on what was Twitter, it’s not this creative process that she is sharing on her social media for commercial gain that is drawing all the attention. It’s Barbara being herself that is the magnet. Every day she rises at 6.00am-ish, listens to Classic FM with a crossword, then, having
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Then, if she’s out and about for the day, she’ll record where she’s been and post about that too. People like to see what has inspired her and how she develops ideas into artwork. Those who are interested can follow the process of making, which she shares too. And therein is the secret; In this nosey, voyeuristic world, Barbara has mastered the art of being authentic without salesy, she has created her own ‘brand’ by being real. There are no flashy graphics, no slick cinematography; she is consistent in her frequency but there are little surprises with what she posts, which reflect her creative butterfly mind and keeps viewers interested.
“Are you on TikTok?” I ask her, feeling that she’s made for it. “Hmmm, I tried it once and it was too frantic and frenetic for me” she replies. Barbara likes calm and change at her own pace. However, always up for a challenge and in the spirit of adventure, she has now just joined this channel in the hope of reaching a quite different audience. I leave her considering how she is going to repaint some of the damaged murals on the fence panels in her tiny but abundant garden. It’s that time of year when the dropped foliage is revealing faded deer, cows, sheep and even a horse!
“Herefordshire has given me an expansion of being” she beams. Here she can delete and block negativity. You too can be part of Barbara’s vibrant world if you look for Art In Textiles. We guarantee you’ll smile.
Words and selected images by Heidi Chamberlain Jones of
www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk
LOCAL PEOPLE BARBARA SHAW
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