Babcock, Barbie

I have loved creating art through drawing as long as I can remember. I was one of those quiet kids who would rather be under a tree with a pad of paper and a box of crayons than joining the gang for kick-ball or a game of hide and seek. I discovered painting in high school and immediately traded in my crayons and markers for paint.

In college at James Madison University, I earned my BS in journalism, communications, and an associate degree in fine arts.

Along life’s journey I would find ways to sprinkle my love for painting into my life. During the 10 years I owned a beach concession in Florida, I would paint t-shirts and coverups for tourists and locals alike. I did a few murals in people’s homes on the side, and did the occasional canvas.

I have only in the past couple of years found myself in a situation where I have time to dive back into my life long passion.

I paint because it is part of who I am. Just like my yoga practice, when I am painting I am truly present in the moment, not worrying about the future or reflecting on the past. I believe in sharing God’s gifts and derive tremendous joy when teaching a yoga class, or having one of my paintings touch someone in a positive way.

Painting is like a yoga practice. I never roll out my mat, or pick up a brush and think, “Gee, I wish I had done something else.”

One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou. “You can’t use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have.”

For me, one of the most vital components of developing creativity is collaborating with
other creatives, feeding off of one another’s insights, ideas and enthusiasm.