Black Artists You Should Know: Barbara Earl Thomas
Barbara Earl Thomas
By Takiyah Ward
Barbara Earl Thomas is a Seattle-bred ‘maker’ who uses art as a means of communication and problem solving. To instill in those that happen upon her work the space and opportunity to reflect on the state of the world and their purpose in it. She did that for me the day we filmed her episode. I remember vividly being greeted by Ms. Barbara as I approached her home studio. She was already outside chatting with her neighbors. As we entered her studio, a familiarity immediately came over me. I was reminded of the creative spaces of my youth. The smell, the natural light, the rain hitting the windows. I had been transported back to my childhood. I told her the space “felt like a classroom from when I was a kid” she quickly reminded me this was not that. She was not my teacher and I was not her student. She would not be obligated to lead, nor I to follow. We are peers and would equally learn and teach one another.
Ms. Barbara is not for the faint of heart nor conviction.. Her presence urges you to stand tall in your truth and your words. A quality you don't find much of in Seattle, as most are preoccupied with comfort and pleasantry. For some this type of interaction can seem scrutinous, I welcome it and for two reasons. One, because it means you care. And two, because who are you if no one questions your existence? She reminds me of my people from the South who didn't lose themselves when they came up North.
In Barbara’s episode, we learn of her upbringing, schooling, and what drives her to make the most of every day. But more importantly we learn what it means to be of service in all that you do. “You see a problem? Fix it.” No matter your position you have the power to make change if you practice being aware. “Fail, not to the world but to yourself” and “whatever mistakes are made in this piece get corrected in the next.” It’s about being a better version of yourself with everything you do , planning to fail which creates opportunity for correction. If we are each doing that on an individual, micro level, that reverberates through the whole. This is something I have been preaching for some time and part of why this show Art Of The Matter exists. It’s nice to have someone like Barbara affirm those ideas.
Most recently, Ms. Barbara visited Yale for part one of her stained glass installation at the university’s Grace Hopper College. She will also be opening an exhibition at the Claire Oliver Gallery in New York later this year. In 2023 She will have an exhibition at the Chrysler Museum in Virginia, as well as the unveiling of two new pieces for the Judkins Park Light Rail Station featuring noted writers August Wilson and Charles Johnson.
Safe to say Barbara Earl Thomas is doing the work of ensuring she speaks to the times from her position as a maker and creating a world where we all get to witness one anothers truth from a place of care and connection. Appreciate all that you do Ms Barbara, Thank you.
MORE ABOUT BARBARA EARL THOMAS
https://barbaraearlthomas.com/#work
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