The Art of Adventure

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"When I let go of my initial idea, my work truly unfolds."
– Barb Flunker

Studying a piece of art created by Barb Flunker is somewhat like lying on your back and watching the clouds pass by. Everyone sees something different, and the longer you stare, the more creative your mind becomes in its interpretation. "I love asking people what they see when they look at one of my paintings or mixed-media works," says Barb. "Sometimes they can see what I was feeling when I created it, and sometimes it's all about what they're feeling at the moment."

Feelings are a genuine factor in Barb's work, no matter the piece. Her bold, sophisticated, abstract works are shaped by her life experiences. Barb draws inspiration from friends and family, as well as from places she's been, such as the Desert Southwest, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Copenhagen.

Barb uses a wide range of materials – oils, Cray-Pas and organic materials, as well as found objects, industrial materials, wood, glass and sand – to express herself through what she calls "a tasteful balance of color, texture and line." She says, "Starting with an idea for a painting or mixed-media work, I apply the materials gesturally and texturally. As I use my hands and nontraditional tools (rollers, combs, cloth, palette knives and spatulas) in the application of materials, I often let go of the initial idea. That is when my work truly unfolds."

Her highly contemporary style is a reflection of her artistic influences. "I am energized by the works of Antoni Tàpies, D-Zine, Jackson Pollock, Niki de Saint Phalle, Alberto Giacometti, and Maya Lin," says Barb. "Their works invigorate me to create my own powerful work." That powerful work has been well-received locally. Her art been shown extensively in St. Louis, including solo exhibitions at Art Dimensions Guest Gallery, Gallery at Monarch, Messing Gallery, and the St. Louis Symphony Showhouse. Barb hopes to spread her wings and carry out her artistic journey beyond the local realm.

The work of Barb Flunker is currently being displayed at Denise Roberge Gallery in Palm Desert, California, and locally at Brewington in the Central West End and at A Floral Gallery in Clayton. You can view more of her work online at www.stlartists.com/flunker.html.