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Thomas at work in her garage studio.

One of Thomas’ silk paintings.

A lampshade designed by Thomas

Thomas at work in her garage studio.

Artist Barbara Thomas sits beside some of her pieces displayed in her home.

Thomas uses a sewing machine to add beads and embellishments to her work.

Thomas shows off some of the silk scarves she’s made.

Pillowcases painted by Thomas.

Barbara Thomas is an artist whose name in the Foothills area has become synonymous with vibrant and captivating abstract silk paintings. 

Her work, which blends traditional Asian art forms with contemporary techniques, showcases a unique blend of color, texture, and emotion. A Columbus resident, Thomas has garnered recognition for her stunning silk paintings and her passion for the arts.

The Journey of a Silk Artist

Thomas’ journey as a silk painter is deeply rooted in her family’s artistic legacy. Growing up as the daughter of artists, she was exposed to the art world from an early age. Her mother, acclaimed for her expertise in Sumi-E, or black ink painting, significantly influenced her artistic pursuits. During her seven years of studying this technique with Japanese artist Ann Kobayashi, Thomas developed a profound appreciation for traditional Asian art forms, particularly Japanese ink painting and rice paper collages.

A walk through her house showcases the art of her father and mother and her own, along with numerous hand-crafted pottery pieces by her partner, Jim Cullen.  

Her personal art journey began as a child but continued as she studied at New York’s Parsons School of Design and the School of Visual Arts. There, she discovered a unique intersection between her love of color and brush painting techniques. This moment led her to experiment with fabric, ultimately sparking her commitment to silk painting.

Silk as a Canvas

Thomas’ signature silk paintings are a testament to her commitment to the medium. She creates vivid and colorful works of art using timeworn techniques, traditional dyes, and silk. Her paintings exude a sense of vibrancy and originality, often using abstract elements to convey unique narratives with each creation.

“Silk painting can be done with dyes or paint,” Thomas explains. The dyes have to be steam set to make them permanent, which makes them combine with the fiber. Where paint is on the surface, and they make the fabric a little bit thicker.”

The Process of Creation

Working with silk presents its own set of challenges. Thomas meticulously stretches the damp silk fabric on a frame, ensuring it is taut and primed for painting. The nature of silk means that the artist needs to have complete control over how the paint flows onto the fabric, resulting in abstract works that seem to unfold on its own terms.

“You can control it slightly in different ways, with a painted background or by sizing, stiffening the fabric,” says Thomas

In addition to her silk work, Thomas embraces other mediums such as cotton, linen, and rice paper. This diversity allows her to explore different textures and compositions, adding layers of complexity to her art. Whether she is incorporating hand-painted collages on rice paper or integrating stitched fabric, beads, or stones, Thomas continues to push the boundaries of her creativity.

“I don’t get nervous stitching. I get nervous signing my name,” Thomas laughingly says. “I now sign my pieces with Bobbie, because it’s shorter and not as likely to mess it up.”

Exploring New Frontiers

Thomas’ artistic portfolio extends beyond silk painting, encompassing mixed-media works and a diverse range of experiences in the art world. Her background spans graphic design to interior design, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Thomas has dedicated over 25 years to working with various fibers and textiles.

“I could come up with a plan,” says Thomas. “But in the end, with abstract art, it tends to find its own way. I’ve stuck with silk painting because I really love to play with the colors. It’s very intuitive.”

She also works making jewelry and lamps. 

As a dedicated member of the arts community, Thomas remains deeply involved in volunteer work, further solidifying her commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression. Her contributions to Tryon Painters and Sculptors and her local community highlight her enduring passion for art and her desire to nurture emerging talents.

A Visionary Artist

Barbara Thomas’ artistic vision leads her to intertwine tradition with innovation to create timeless pieces that resonate with audiences. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Her work can be found at Tryon Painters & Sculptors and 80Six Gallery. 

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