by Don Shown
As someone who can’t draw a straight line or a round circle I was always amazed at how well Barb could sketch just about anything in a dash. I suppose there’s a lot of people like that out in the world but I lived with this one for 44 years- although she was at it long before me. It wasn’t just drawing but rather like the whole world of art.
Like any mom and educator there was always stage backdrops, Halloween costumes, science projects, maps and timelines. For friends and family there were invitations, announcements, Christmas cards, catalogs and even a fishing book. She did basket weaving, painting, public art and solar burning. I think the closest she ever came to something like “crafting” was her Halloween gourds and pumpkins, though any received as a gift were considered works of art.
Sometimes we would work on projects together. And many times I never thought the vision would come into focus, but Barb understood the concept of art, straight lines and squiggly, round circles and motion wheels. She enjoyed it. I could count easily the number of times she ever did it for money. It wasn’t always instant, like any other artist the inspiration would have to be there. Maybe deadlines helped, other days the sun would be just right and she could burn rays and flames up a whole hardwood folding chair in minutes. None ended up sloppy or like it was done in a rush.
What is #belikeBarb? Those that know her or met her know. Others reading this haven’t met her or know us. Imagine, if you will, taking that broad set of art and instead of pencils or paint the strokes of your brush is in the art of living, shining and grand. The vessel you throw is of love with a spout of generosity, a handle of empathy. The song is one in which everyone’s notes are in harmony. Sculpt laughter. Teach in an invisible way.
Don’t measure or compare. Like 98% of the world I am not a redhead. She was red and proud of it. I have a card she gave me that says, “if you want a life of excitement marry a redhead.” It was and is a great life. But that is not the point.
Make art and live art….affectionate, bright, and beautiful. Cut the boards and pound the nails to assemble a fixture of love with compassionate legs, a smooth top with pain sanded out and a door that’s opened wide. Color the painting of lifetime. Laugh it, enjoy it
Be Like Barb 