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."

Shaw Dance by klocke

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.

Can't we all just get along by klocke

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.

Pink Peonies by klocke

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.

Sacred Four Winds by klocke

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.

The Hunter by klocke

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.

The Trail of Tears by klocke

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.

Contentment by klocke

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


Copyright Ruth J Jamieson 2009/2011