THEME OF ARTWORK: Barbara Smiley's sculptures depict people who are in the process of "living", complete with the flaws and imperfections that develop from doing so. Some pieces show the withdrawal and pain of depression, others the wonderment and joy of being satisfied with their stage of life. These sculptures all exhibit the awareness of people who comfortably inhabit every bulge, wrinkle and crease; whose bodies have developed both unique character and personality, and show a sensual satisfaction with life. BRIEF BACKGROUND OF ARTIST: Barbara's formal training began at age 8 at The Chicago Art Institute's Fine Arts Institute. She studied at the University of Iowa, married and raised a family, while freelancing her artwork in New York City, Toronto Canada, and Tel Aviv, Israel. She later resumed her studies and received an MA in Art Psychotherapy from New York University. She became Board Certified and Registered as an Art Therapist, and worked for 15 years in a NYC psychiatric hospital, treating suicidal, depressed and abused clients, using art as a means of helping them to uncover the pain that had brought them there. She continued her private practice when she moved to Southern California, 6 years ago. She has continued to create art throughout all these years, but chose to stop exhibiting. ARTIST'S STATEMENT: "Since I was very small I have found great satisfaction in creating art that truly illustrates the realism I see. The years I have spent as a Therapist, counseling and guiding suicidally depressed clients who find themselves committed to a psychiatric ward, to a happier more positive state of mind, has given me a "window" into the human soul. I now create sculptures of people that illustrate that journey".

Year Established: 1960   Primary Medium: Terra Cotta    Secondary Medium: Colored Pencil, Acrylic