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Transformation Mixed Media on watercolor paper--scraped acrylic, acrylic paint, pastel, ink, burlap, paper towel, dried tea leaves, card stock; 15"x11" NFS Primitive Vessel 10"Hx10"wx4"D (without antler); Handbuilt ceramic sculpture (very thin slabs); NFS; 6-2020 by Barbara Jo Converse Stevens, 71  Barbara Jo Converse Stevens with largest vessel, 20"x20"x12" displayed on found wood. On display at the Sandzen Museum and Gallery in Lindsborg, KS for my duo show with painter, Angela Muller of Russell, KS. Photo taken 10-21-2020 |
Mixed Media Paintings: In March, 2012, I started experimenting with a new style of mixed media using watercolor, acrylics, colored pencil, ink, pastels, handmade stamps, & stamp ink pads and mostly an attitude of PLAY. I had never felt this level of excitement and joy in creating my 2D work before. I tried to capture that inner child who used to play at creating with no fear of "right or wrong". I simply played with the possibilities and let the pure joy fill my heart and spirit. Since then my experimentation and play has led to using textures in my paintings, somewhat reflecting the textures in my clay. But the main ingredient is still play! I Hope my work fills your heart with this spirit of joy. Hand Built Ceramic Sculpture: My husband and I are very interested in Native American history and, in visiting many museums and ancient sacred sites, I have become fascinated with the beauty of the simple forms and the incredible craftsmanship of their ancient ceramic vessels. I also love the thought that I am tied to these ancient craftswomen of 1000 years ago who were daughters, wives, mothers as well as artists, just like me. This, along with being raised on a Kansas farm in the fifties, when life was simple and centered around the church and God’s good earth, has influenced the earthy quality of my forms, with them progressing over the years to the simple primitive forms I am making today. I display them on natural found wood to give the impression that, as one is walking along a trail in the woods, a primitive vessel has been discovered. ARTIST’S HISTORY: I was raised in central Kansas where I graduated in 1971 with a BA degree in Art from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Ceramic sculpture was my main area of concentration in college and my father always joked that he paid good money for me to major in ‘mud pies’, since that was my favorite childhood past time on our family farm. It was an unusual choice for a girl from my part of the country and I thank my parents for never doubting my choice. I went on to teach art to students from 4 years of age to 84 years. I received my MLS from FHSU in 2005 in Graphic Design. I ended my teaching career by being Head of the Art Department at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, KS. for thirteen years. I retired from that position in May, 2013 and now enjoy the luxury of time to spend on my art, with my family and friends, reading, swimming, kayaking and traveling. |
Barbara Jo Converse Stevens lives in Downs, Kansas, USA.
email Barbara at stevensbjc @ gmail.com (remove the spaces)
Exhibition Rooms |