by Barbara Downs | Jan 31, 2011
This excerpt is from Colum McCann’s discussion that is printed at the end of his novel, Let The Great World Spin. Wonderful book, by the way. I enjoyed his discussion as much as I enjoyed the book. He said it as well as I can. Actually, he said it better,...
by Barbara Downs | Nov 13, 2010
Huddled masses, indeed. Looking around hospital waiting room, I see people huddling together. I see it in newspaper and magazine photos too. In times of trouble, anxiety and apprehension, in times of anticipation and jubilation, people huddle. They touch. They clump....
by Barbara Downs | Oct 17, 2010
Open Studios is an exciting and confusing time. I’ve now spent 3 days, with one more to go, talking to people about my work. It’s exciting because, of course, it’s great when people connect with the work. Who wouldn’t like that? I have had some...
by Barbara Downs | Jun 7, 2010
I’m going to be cantankerous and withhold The Daily Bird today so that I can write about painting instead. And don’t think I don’t have the Daily Bird done. Here’s a thumbnail, with a larger image coming tomorrow. I’m spending...
by Barbara Downs | Jun 1, 2010
People ask, so here it is: a short explanation of encaustic… Encaustic has been around for centuries, and, with proper care, is considered to be one of the most stable mediums. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians used encaustic to waterproof and decorate their...
by Barbara Downs | May 27, 2010
A friend asked why I photograph the Daily Bird panels on an angle. Three reasons: The diamond-shaped photos look better on my blog page. Encaustic is difficult to photograph. These represent the pieces better than if I shoot them straight-on. I’ll leave that to...
