Barbara Whitehorse Volk

Lewis County

Architecture

BFA, Maryland institute of Art

Website

Life is art and art is life. There is no separation for me. I have been creating since I was a child. I have a curious nature and am always learning new things. I am inspired by everything! For me, it is about the process. Although I do like to have a beautiful final product, the process of creating is what fascinates me. I lose myself in the act of joining threads (horse hair, beads, fibers), and I sit back and often say “WOW, that came through me!” I love useful things and wearable things. Most of my work takes the form of jewelry and bags. I have always been inspired by the traditional cultures of the world. Everything they wore, every tool they used was a work of art. Art is life and life is art.

Biography

I am a fiber artist. I found fibers while in college at the Maryland Institute of Art. Although I do many things, I draw, paint, work in leather, fibers are my true love. For many years I wove fabric, beadwork encompassed me for 25 years. Primarily, I know work with horse hair. I braid using the Japanese method of Kumihimo, I weave, and I hitch. Of all of the techniques I have had the pleasure of learning, horse hair hitching is by far the most fascinating, the most difficult and the most time intensive. It is the humble half hitch, used in a profoundly complex way. Historically, hitching was almost a lost art, but there recently has been a resurgence in its popularity.

Other Creative Skills

Drawing, Jewelry-making, Leather Crafting, Textile Design & Artistry

Barbara Whitehorse Volk's Work

More WV Artists

Haley M.  Fairchild

Haley M. Fairchild

About Haley M. Fairchild Art by Haley M. Fairchild was given its start by my husband's efforts to get me to share my work with the community. I have...

read more
Helen M Meade

Helen M Meade

About Helen M Meade I am a theatre and opera director with a passion for all things performing arts. I believe the communal experience of live...

read more
Bernie Wilke

Bernie Wilke

About Bernie Wilke My passion for community art has given me the opportunity to create 95 murals across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. To me, the...

read more