We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara Segal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara below.
Barbara , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from a transformative journey, beginning with the loss of my beloved father at ten. His remarkable life inspired me to emulate his strengths, turning my insecurity into a powerful drive for success. This resolve to live up to his legacy initially fueled my relentless pursuit of excellence, pushing me to continuously explore my potential in the world of art and beyond.
However, a pivotal moment in my journey was recognizing and embracing the fact that my resilience and accomplishments were not just reflections of my father’s influence, but the result of my own dedication and creativity. This realization allowed me to fully acknowledge my personal achievements, freeing myself from the shadow of his legacy. It marked the beginning of a new chapter where my resilience became a testament to my individual journey, crafted by my hands and shaped by my experiences.
Through this process, I’ve led a life rich with artistic exploration, interesting adventures, and genuine experiences. My resilience, born out of loss and fueled by personal growth, has become an integral part of who I am—an artist continuously looking forward to the next challenge, the next creation, on a path defined by my own choices and achievements.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a sculptor, my journey weaves through the inspirations of the Italian Renaissance to mastering stone carving in Carrara, Italy, deeply influenced by the artistic vibrancy of Europe. My work as an American contemporary artist marries Renaissance techniques with modern narratives, aiming to reflect and critique societal themes of materialism and power.
My sculptures are a dialogue between the ages, comparing, for example, the opulent crowns of figures like Louis the 7th to the modern spectacle of hip hop bling, and the authoritative presence of the church in history to today’s power structures. This thematic exploration challenges viewers to reflect on the continuity and evolution of power and materialism through centuries.
The excitement in my sculpture lies in this transformative process—turning stone into meaningful art that bridges past and present, inviting reflection on how historical values mirror or diverge from today’s. As I work on commissions and new works, my thoughts are constantly on how my commentary on society will be interpreted a millennium from now, revealing to future civilizations who we were.
For further information about upcoming exhibitions and events, please go to [www.Linktr.ee/barbarasegal](http://www.linktr.ee/barbarasegal
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. **Embracing Art as a Lifestyle**: My first piece of advice to young artists is to perceive being an artist not just as a career choice but as a way of life. Art demands patience, passion, and an ongoing commitment to growth and exploration. It’s important to focus on the long-term journey rather than short-term achievements.
2. **Living in the Present**: A significant part of my growth has been learning the value of being fully present. Opportunities and inspiration often present themselves in the most unexpected moments. If you’re too focused on the past or future, you might miss the chance to seize them. Listen actively, observe keenly, and be willing to engage with new ideas and perspectives.
3. **Resilience Against Negativity**: The path of an artist is often strewn with challenges and rejection. It’s crucial not to let negativity or failure deter your ambitions. Use criticism constructively, but don’t allow it to define your worth or the potential of your work. Building resilience involves developing a strong sense of self-belief and purpose in your art.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client embodies a profound trust and respect for the artistic process, allowing me complete control over the creative direction. They provide essential financial backing, enabling me to bring my artistic visions to fruition and create works that might otherwise be beyond my financial reach. This kind of support is invaluable, as it liberates me to broaden my artistic horizons and challenge the limits of my creative capabilities.
Furthermore, the perfect client enhances the artistic journey with extraordinary life experiences and adventures. Engaging in projects located in unique settings or inspired by diverse cultures adds a significant layer of depth and personal connection to the work. This not only enriches the art itself but also deepens the collaboration, making it a genuinely enriching experience for both parties.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barbarasegal.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/barbarasegal
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/barbara-segal
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@barbarasegal1
- Other: www.linktr.ee/barbarasegal
TEDxPenn talk: Technique to concept: how learning Renaissance methods drives creativity
Image Credits
All images belong to the artist
