DVAA Member since 2015

Barbara Dirnbach

Artist Website:

About:

Barbara majored in art and art education at New York University earning a BA and MA in Art Education. Afterward, she worked as an art teacher in both New York & Philadelphia and garnered several awards for excellence in teaching.

In mid-career, she earned a degree in interior design/space planning from the University of the Arts winning first place in the senior design competition. As a professional designer, she completed major projects for several corporate clients.

A few years ago she returned to her fine arts roots and now shows at many galleries and centers. She’s earned awards from the Main Line Art Center, New Hope Arts League, the Wayne Art Center, the Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Delaware Valley Art League, and Artists Equity. She also showed her work in several Manhattan galleries, and the Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie Mansion. She’s a member of various art organizations and a Board member of Artists Equity. She lives & works in Philadelphia.

Artist Statement:

Every day I embrace the goals that I set for myself as an artist by taking chances and delving into unknown territory using various techniques such as printmaking, mixed media, collage, and transfers with materials like acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, fabric, and even house paint.

I explore my inner world and express my ideas by choosing subjects and images that are personal and meaningful to me. Recently I have been experimenting with monoprints and collages to explore the natural world. My intention is for every piece of art to convey a bold emotional story.

Alice Neel, Richard Diebenkorn, Jules Pascin, and Willem de Kooning among many others strongly influence me. It is important to stay grounded in tradition, build on it but not be limited by it.

Creating art gives me a sense of purpose, achievement, and excitement. I hope the journey never ends.