We’re looking forward to introducing you to Barbara Freund . Check out our conversation below.
Barbara , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Get up, head outside with the dogs, have a coffee, and feed the dogs. Then check the calendar for scheduled appointments and activities, then head outside or to the studio to paint.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am primarily a plein air artist. The natural environment, where I can witness changing atmospheric conditions, shadows, clouds, brightness, etc., is what attracts me to painting outdoors. Being in one place for a time while painting offers more time to observe the transitory details. I also love to include those interacting and connecting with their environments, hikers, surfers, bicyclists and dog walkers for example.
I am currently working on some new pieces in preparation for the upcoming Ventura Art Walk.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Several years ago I came across a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. . He said “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things greatly.” This resonated strongly with me. I began paying attention to little acts of kindness and was so pleased to see that there was actually a lot going on…people doing small things with meaningful impact. I remind myself of that whenever the news is reporting bad behavior and negative outcomes.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was scared I would watch television and have a peanut butter sandwich so that it would seem like an ordinary day.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is the real me. My words and behaviors align and I don’t pretend to be something I’m not.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I don’t imagine I would retire from painting but if I did I think my collectors would miss the stories behind the paintings. They are not what people expect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barbarafreund.com/
- Instagram: ravencliffstudio
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