Friday, February 11, 2011

IN MEMORY OF BARBARA KLOCKE, ZAZZLER AND FRIEND


Barbara Klocke. Passed February 8, 2011

I first met Barbara, whom I now call Sunshine, on March 22, 2007, in my first days as a Gallery owner at Zazzle.com. She was my third fan!

We became friends and cheerleaders to each other. As I slogged through the learning process of setting up the Gallery, learning posting protocols, Zazzle etiquette, etc, Barb always cheered me on, and encouraged me.

Barb was insightful, tremendously funny, and caring and giving to others. Her fans and friends spanned all age groups, art styles and genres. She was a delightful woman who saw the divine in all and in everyone she knew.

When not creating, Barbara spent time with her family and friends, read, gardened, knit and crocheted and practiced the healing practice of Qigong.

I had the honor of interviewing her in 2009 for my blog. I'd like to share that interview with you now.

Barb, how did you come to be an artist?

Art has always been a part of my life. It has always been a source of joy and expression for me. Having others enjoy my work is the highest form of success for me."


I suppose that my love of art began with my first coloring book. I decided that I wanted to be an artist at a young age. I was fortunate enough to have an artist neighbor as a child. I would visit her often and ask her what I needed to do to become an artist and then I taught myself how to do it.


And what media do you work in?

I used to work in oils, but now I work in acrylic and sometimes watercolor. I work on canvas or paper, but I worked extensively on rocks for some time. Recently I began experimenting with colored pencils.


Over the years, I entered numerous art shows, both amateur and Juried. My work was accepted for shows in Sofia, Bulgaria and Athens, Greece. The prestigious Clossens in Cincinnati, featured my rock art for six months.


The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tempo-art section, featured two articles about my Rock art. I also appeared on a local TV show with some of my rock art. My Granddaughter was permitted to go on with me, so that was great fun!

Two local Cincinnati galleries featured my work for several years.


Has your work changed over the years?

I paint a wide variety of subject matter, including wildlife and floral. A number of years ago though, I began researching the Native American culture in an effort to learn more about my own heritage. As a result I painted many Native American inspired paintings as a tribute to that Culture.


What motivates you to create?

I see the expression of God's love all around me, in Nature, Animals and people. I suppose that is my main motivation, to try and capture some of that beauty and love. The Native American art is more spiritual in nature, and many of those paintings came to me in dreams. To Native Americans, nurturing one's Spiritual side is as important as nurturing the physical side. They feel that true happiness can only be found by having balance between the two.


GOOD BYE DEAR FRIEND, YOU ARE REMEMBERED WITH LOVE.


See Barbara's artwork at her Zazzle gallery: Barbara K Gallery


Copyright Ruth J Jamieson 2009/2011

12 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this Ruth. Barbara was truly an inspiration and will be sorely missed. Sandy

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  2. You're welcome Sandy. She was an inspiration for sure... one always wishes one could have had one more moment you know.... one more conversation....

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  3. Thanks Ruth, this is beautiful. Barbara was such a beautiful person, and I love that last paragraph on what motivated her to create. She definitely captured that beauty and love, and it will live on in her art. ~Pam

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  4. I had no idea, she was always so nice!
    I just caught this on Facebook.
    Thank you for letting us know and for writing such a wonderful tribute.
    Nicole

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  5. What a lovely tribute, Ruth. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, and such a talented member of the Zazzle family. I did not know Barbara real well, though I have had a few conversations with her, and was a fan of her work. She was indeed a very sweet lady and will be missed. May I suggest you post a link to her Zazzle store? Blessings to you my friend. ~ Ranchie

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  6. Thank you Pam, Nicole and Ranchie for your lovely comments. As suggested, I have added a link to Barbara's Zazzle shop. cheers, Ruth

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  7. Your beautiful spirit lives on through your art Barbara, you are loved and missed.

    Peace in Heaven,

    Cherie

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  8. Barbara was one of the first artists I met at Zazzle. She was so kind, encouraging, and a wonderful artist. My sympathy to her family. Bless you always, Barbara!
    Lorrie Morrison

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  9. so sorry .. A really nice lady . my condolences to the family.

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  10. Thank you for all your lovely comments Cherie, Lorrie and Amanda :) I know she is at peace.

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  11. I remember first seeing Barbara's products when I opened my first Zazzle store. I did not know until today that she had passed away. Her works are quite beautiful and it saddens me that she will not be here to create more of them. We are all blessed to have the opportunity to view her work still.
    Peace be with her.
    Jess

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  12. Thank you so much for your lovely memories and comment Jessica. :)

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