Barbara Bachner

Artist Statement

FEARLESS IN ART

I was a student of art history before I joined the ranks of visual artists. With this feast of art from the past, the first decision I had before me was - what to make. I have always had a special interest in artists who use color as a defining quality in their oeuvre, such as Pierre Matisse and Mark Rothko, to name just two from the recent past, so color has always been a major choice for me.

My work shows a consistent search for beauty and psychological depth in art. Beginning with this ideal, I work and see what actually appears, surprise myself, accept limitations of material and skill, and move on. I think about genius: does it have its moments? Pierre Bonnard, The French 19th century artist, went to see his work in museums, taking his paint box, so that he could fix things that were not "perfect".

I imagine what can improve the image and do that, working on the most difficult problems first. Mistakes may bring new solutions, progress and change. So there is action and reaction, imperfection and humility before endless possibilities, anxiety, joy, fun and taking it too seriously.

Over the years, I have used different approaches to art making, no one better than the other. When I was drawing and painting the figure meticulously, it was just as engrossing and satisfying to me as is my work today work.

Barbara Bachner
2021

Biography

BARBARA L. BACHNER BIOGRAPHY


As a student of art history and an artist, Barbara Bachner received a BA Magna Cum Laude in Fine Art (Art History) from New York University, a diploma from the National Academy School of Art and awards and a scholarship to the Art Students League, both in New York City. In 2000 She received an MFA from Northern Vermont University at Johnson, Vermont.

Ms. Bachner has received many awards for excellence, including solo show awards and a grant from the United States Embassy awarded through the Max Planck Foundation, Berlin, Germany. Public collections include The Library of Congress, Washington, DC, the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers in New Jersey and the Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. USA and international solo shows include AIR Gallery in New York City, Roessler Gallery in Ravensburg, Germany and D'Ars in Milan Italy. For further information and images of work, please see www.barbarabachner.com

She maintains studios in New York City and St. Petersburg, FL. A native of the State of Maine, her outlook and inspiration emerge from diverse roots, beneficial to an artist whose commitment is to freedom of expression and the psychological power of images.

Exhibition History (CV)