Santa Fe New Mexico

Barbara Woods is an artist from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her experience in the textile industry dates back over 30 years and includes designing and constructing everything from ski parkas and large tents to a clothing line and functional art.

 

In 1988 she began studying the eastern techniques of Shibori, Katazome and Batik while experimenting with surface design on textile. The Gutta Serti technique is her preferred choice for silk-painting. A strong background in tailoring and pattern drafting allowed her to create unique one-of-a-kind clothing.

 

From 1990 through 1996 Barbara owned and operated the Woodsilks Clothing Gallery in Santa Fe. Woodsilks Clothing Gallery represented her work as well as works by textile artists from around the USA. The gallery specialized in custom hand-painted silk clothing, loomed knits and hand-weavings serving a worldwide clientele.

 

In 1996 she closed the retail gallery to concentrate on her art. Appealing to a broader audience, Barbara developed and sold a line of painted silk lampshades for the Buyers Market of American Crafts in Philadelphia. Then in 1998 she began designing a silk & ceramic sculptural light.

 

Working in slab-constructed clay she carves and forms the bases and bodies. Using patinas and paint she adds colour to go with the painted silk. The results are free standing lighted sculptures and sconces, some depicting winged wall creatures. She continues developing unique lamp shades in painted silk in a collaborative effort with H. Tom Thomas, her husband and partner.