Tell us about your artwork.
My name is Barbra Paitich. I paint on silk, making scarves and wraps and I combine silk with torch-cut metals for wall art.
Describe how art is important to society.
All art mediums (painting, sculpting, music, dance etc.) inspire all of society. Our souls are nourished and healed by beauty, curiosity, experimentation, creating.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a silk painter who has added ways to display my work in multiple ways by incorporating metal (steel, brass, copper), plant life, (twigs, small branches, leaves, flowers). In my career as school counselor, I used art as a therapeutic tool.
Has your style changed over time?
My style of work is organic and free flowing and has always been, but the means by which it evolved was a lovely journey as a progression. Watercolors transported me into dyes on silk. Raising sheep and spinning the wool pointed me to texture and to silk. The need to display my paintings led me to welding classes.
Describe your dream project.
I’ve had a few of large projects; the largest was a 17 ft. x 14 ft. project of silk hung on steel that hangs in a home in Nevada County.
What superpower would you have and why?
The ability to heal by touch. I feel that our world needs compassion, a kind word, and a gentle touch. Fear has invaded our world. I’d like to be part of the shift away from that.
