Meet Barbara Gerdeman

This is an issue for many artists…we are our own toughest critics and we often don’t feel like “real artists”. Do I dress like an artist? Do I speak like an artist? Do I actually have any artistic ability? To be honest, I’m not sure that I’ve ever completely overcome this, or ever will, but I have made peace with it. I’ve done that by forging meaningful relationships with other creatives and using that support as a foundation. One of our priorities at Creative Liberties is inclusion and I’ve had the epiphany that I am also included.

I make art. I help other artists on their art making journeys. I help art viewers and collectors to understand those making journeys. My friend and business partner, Elizabeth Goodwill, and I started Creative Liberties to help other artists, which is highly rewarding and in turn helps us grow. We do something different than your typical art gallery. We provide an opportunity for patrons to interact with the artists and become a part of the artist’s stories. I believe that the connections that are forged through those opportunities offer a unique art experience for all involved. We want to take the intimidation out of the art buying process. People are much more connected to the artwork when they have the chance to get to know the artist and observe them making their art.

The beginning of this year we opened two more Creative Liberties locations! One is just down the street from our original location. It is home to 11 studio artists, has walls that can be used for exhibitions or rental display walls and a large classroom space that can also be used for a community space. Think small events, that sort of thing. The third space is a little different. There we are offering limited artist residencies. It can accommodate up to three artists at a time. They are in the space for two months and during that time we host an opening reception for them. The idea is that they will display (and hopefully sell) their work, create work and gain exposure and visibility.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hmmm…lets see…I think that persistence is definitely an attribute that has been helpful. “Stick-to-it-ness” as my Mom would have called it. It’s important to keep moving forward, even when things aren’t going as planned. However, that also does require having the ability to pivot and to know when it’s time to move on. Next would be not worrying about what the world has to say about you. This skill has DEFINITELY come with age. The older I get, the more I realize that not everyone will like, or agree with me or what I am doing. And I become more and more ok with that. It takes conscious effort, especially at first. Lastly I would say – setting goals – goals of various levels. Setting large, lofty goals is great, but can be overwhelming. While I do set long term goals, I also find it helpful to set smaller, short-range goals. Meeting those goals helps to give you a sense of accomplishment, which helps prevent discouragement. I’m also a big fan of lists. I just love the satisfaction of crossing items off a list!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I love this question. My Mom was a kind-hearted person who was very creative. She had a dedicated craft room where she spent many hours making creations that she would never sell – she gave them away or kept them. My Dad had a PHD in Educational Psychology and was one of the forces behind bringing Creative Problem Solving tools and techniques to teachers and students all over all the world. He ran his own extremely successful business called the Center for Creative Learning and was highly regarded in his field. I think you can see where I’m going with this – my parents ALWAYS encouraged my creative path and artistic endeavors. They encouraged me to “walk to the beat of my own drummer”. They gave me wings. I think they would be very proud of what Elizabeth and I have created.