I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arts in Philadelphia and an MFA from Otis College of Arts in Los Angeles. After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 1984 and becoming legally blind, I questioned my ability to continue painting. I had to transform my thinking and techniques to incorporate my physical limitations as an integral part of my work.
I have found that experimenting with color is an important aspect of my work and my color palette has grown stronger as my sight diminishes.
I create original stencils to form iconic imagery—as free-hand drawing of specific subjects is often challenging. Gestures of my body replace the precision of my eyes in making marks on the canvas. In many of my large paintings I use text as a weaving of words, creating a complex, layered image where the viewer is invited to create his/her own poetry.
I am now inspired less by what I see and more by what I hear, remember and imagine.
In addition to my art, I am a Professor at Columbia College Hollywood, a film school located in Tarzana, California.
Patron Sponsor: Rick and Dee Dee Chesley
To see more of Barbara’s work, visit her website www.barbararomain.com.
