Barbara Ann Volk was born in Baltimore Maryland in 1956. Although
formal training in art did not begin until college, her love of visual art was discovered through the inspiration of a wonderful elementary school teacher. It was during this time that she first knew that visual art would be her life’s work. While attending the Maryland Institute of Art, Barbara experimented with many different forms, with her main focus being drawing and weaving. After graduating, Barbara worked doing private commissions in various media, and won several awards for her weaving.
While attending Towson State University for graduate work, Barbara studied fabric and theatrical costume design, which expanded into an exploration of personal adornment.
Barbara became interested in the art of beadwork in 1985, And through her understanding of woven structure, and visits to the Smithsonian, she taught herself the basic techniques. As her understanding of beadweaving techniques developed, Barbara began combining structures to create a unique style of jewelry.
In 1990 Barbara began teaching throughout the Mid Atlantic region, and through a need for Written information about the style of beadwork that she was teaching, her book “Setting Stones With Beads” was developed and self published. A second edition with advanced techniques is in the works.
A founding member of the Baltimore Bead Society, Barbara served as its first president, and a member of the board of directors. She has lectured at bead societies and other organizations, and continues teaching in the jewelry department at the Maryland Institute of Art. She has been featured artist in Lapidary Journal, and her writing and illustrations have been published by Lapidary Journal and Voices of Women.
All of Barbara’s work has been created within the balance of family life, and as a single mother her three children have been a constant source of joy, challenge and inspiration.
In the summer of 1994, Barbara met Mik Wright, creator of Those Shoes.
Having walked into love, she finds herself learning to be a mother with a father, learning to make shoes, and collaborating with Mik. They are combining their talents to create one of a kind boots, drum shields and other expressions of Living Art.