Meet Barb Flunker

 

We were lucky to catch up with Barb Flunker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Barb, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My mother always saw the best in everyone and some of that transferred to me. When a challenge comes my way I can be thrown off balance at first, thinking why did this happen to me? As soon as I change that scenario to what am I to learn from this, the brain starts thinking in positive directions. I can feel the shift in my brain and positive results happen. Also enjoy being with positive people which extends and excites the optimism in me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The joy of being in nature and the outdoors is embedded in my being. Walking beaches, climbing mountains, riding bikes, enjoying sunrises and sunsets, nurture my soul and are embedded in all of my artwork. Wherever you view my vibrant, textural abstract paintings you will find that energy, sometimes subtle and other times very visible, and always there. All the energy that I have absorbed is transferred to the canvas in a spontaneous and organic way. Often using my hands to spread the paint the work evolves intuitively. The vibrant colors, lines and textures also exude nature’s beauty and energy.

I am excited to announce the opening of my exhibition at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Kirkwood MO, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. You are warmly invited.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My teenage son’s encouragement and guidance is number one on my artistic journey. His embracing my work propelled me, it did take awhile, to show my work to others, including art professionals.

The support and encouragement of others, including friends, artists and gallery directors, is number two on my artistic journey. To the people who guided me along the way, giving me their time, directions on where to go next, opportunities for exhibitions, and always available, I am forever grateful.

Number three follows which is self confidence. Self confidence to realize that one’s work is good, doesn’t have to fit certain perimeters, When one makes art and believes in their work, opportunities can happen.

To those early in their artistic journey, make your art, go to gallery and museum openings, talk to folks there, and have the strength to knock on doors. This takes time, so keep going. I still have to tell myself that sometimes.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents were always for me, loved me and encouraged me in whatever I did. Both were deceased before I began my art career. The strength from knowing that you are accepted and loved for who you are is monumental in all of your growth. My parents, husband and sons, all share in helping me continue my artistic journey,

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