Barbara Torke

An artist of many media, Barb describes herself as: “a painter of allegories, of stories, of mind and soul portraits.” Using pastels, clay, watercolor, oils and poetry, Barb reflects on today’s world and projects onto tomorrow’s. “Art makes social and political statements. It provides links to the past: Picasso’s Guernica, for example, and to the future, as in Salvador Dali’s work.
“Communication is the purpose of art,” she explains. “Look at the work of Roee Rosen or Tom Sachs—paintings from the Holocaust, both in the Museum of Jewish Art. They portray the horrific. Or you can read “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” and get another sense of history.”

Barb taught in Denver-area public schools for 25 years before moving to Cedaredge and partnering in Cedar’s Edge Gallery at the Apple Shed. She still gives lessons in oils, pastels and pottery. “Art is instant consumption,” she says. “Every day, every moment we are aware, we are infused with art. It is apparent in the design of our cars, clothes and houses.”

Barb’s art extends to pottery, music and poetry. I am a lyrical imagist, working with rhythm, accent, harmony and unity: making music with color,” she says.

“The arts heal,” she says. “We teachers are like the wounded Chiron. Our inability to heal ourselves and our constant need to be useful urges us to ease someone else’s suffering and assist them on their creative journey.”

Below is a slideshow with some samples of Barb's artwork.  Also visit her website - Barbara Torke Art