Barbara Oliver Hartman

Quilt Maker/Fiber Artist

It never occurred to me to use a medium other than fiber; its warmth and softness drew me in and its diversity gives me unlimited possibilities and inspiration. My work is sometimes spontaneous and abstract and other times quite structured and deliberate; at times subdued and at others may scream with color. Each idea that I wish to pursue further is considered and the best way to proceed with the theme is decided through thoughtful reflection. The process may take many paths, reach different conclusions and vary in style. Hopefully the end result will make a connection with the viewer so we may stand on common ground.

Raised in Yuma, Arizona, the influence of Barbara’s Southwest Heritage is apparent in her work. Since beginning quiltmaking about 1980, her original design quilts have displayed a Contemporary Southwestern flavor along with Amish, Art Deco styles and greatly influenced by the simplicity and calm of the desert. Barbara’s art quilts are designed for the wall and show colors and patterns that are unique in her non-traditional works.

Barbara creates many of the fabrics used in her work through painting and dyeing processes…..they are truly one of a kind. In recent years, abstraction and recycling/upcycling have become a large part of her work and she finds that very rewarding.

“The first comment usually from people when they learn that I make quilts is ‘my grandmother made quilts’ and the fun comes when they see what I do for the first time”, Barbara explains. “They mostly do not expect non-traditional, one of a kind pieces that are not designed for the bed”.

Barbara’s Grandmother quilted out of necessity using scraps and discarded clothing and made special quilts for each family member. Her mother was a dressmaker and entrepreneur and began a small dressmaking company in the 1950”s that specialized in southwestern style clothing. Barbara’s father was a talented artist and craftsman as a gunsmith and knife maker. Quiltmaking has given her the needed outlet to express herself and the work she is doing today reflects her attitudes about herself, life in general, and some social commentary.

Award winning quilts by Barbara have been exhibited in many quilt shows around the country, are in many private collections, and appear in many publications. She has also been juried into Visions: San Diego, Quilt National numerous times, and has participated through invitation or jurying into many group and solo exhibitions at museums and art centers throughout the country.

“I work on quilts just about every day. A perfect day for me is going into my studio and spending the day. I take breaks for household duties, meals, etc.”, says Barbara. “A perfect week is doing this seven days in a row. That does not happen all the time and the lights in the studio go out in the studio at 10:00pm each night.”

See more of Barbara’s work at her website:
barbaraoliverhartman.com

122 Red Oak Lane
Flower Mound, TX 75028
(972)724-1181

Barbara Oliver Hartman- Facebook

barbaraohartman@aol.com