Meet Barbara Harnack

We recently connected with Barbara Harnack and have shared our conversation below.

Barbara, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Over a lifetime I committed to making my artwork on a regular basis. Like a long term relationship, that’s where you will discover what turns you on. I find myself designing work for a long time in my mind along with drawing before I actually make the artwork itself. I’m known for making large figurative ceramics that we fire in raku, as well as mixed media. I also own and operate a small gallery in New Mexico with my husband Michael Lancaster, on the Turquoise Trial. I have no choice but to keep it alive. It has a life of its own.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I wear two hats as an artist and gallery owner. This means I am mainly in the studio to keep up with the demand for my work. It is not always easy to know where to put my time because of the different worlds, but somehow it works. The partnership with my husband Michael and the artists that we represent are front and center in our lives. We also share a studio. Currently we are working on a two person show for this August highlighting our own work. I will be showing my mixed media work, Raku sculptures and new studio pottery that Michael throws and I draw on with sgraffito, making designs in nature and the female form. Michael will be showing his own sculpture he creates from throwing forms on the wheel that often look like found discarded industrial artifacts. We have had a back and forth support discussion about our work for well over forty years.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I was a latch key kid, that grew up just outside of New York City. That helped me to become independent as a child. I had to entertain myself. I took a lot of art classes outside of my regular school that enriched my sense of what’s possible early on. So I was always drawing and or going to museums, as well as taking time in nature, friendships, poetry and dancing.

As a young artist I would recommend you see all the artwork you can in person if possible. Try all the different mediums you can. Take classes or hang out with someone different than you are used to. Avoid too much social media so as not to be engulfed by it all. Take time to get to know what you enjoy and be kind to people. Consider volunteer work. Take good care of yourself. Eat really good chocolate.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I mentioned my husband Michael Lancaster. Michael inspires me to be the best person I can be, especially when I get discouraged. We met when we were very young and have had several galleries together over the years. It helps to have someone to navigate what’s next, The art scene is constantly changing. We kind of grew up together. Now we are more seasoned as professional people. I can admit this is where the good stuff lays, being mature together, and still discovering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https;//calliopemadrid.com
• Instagram: harnack_studios
• Facebook: Barbara Harnack