About Me.
Barbara Balkin has been an artist all of her life and an educator for xx years. She started Back Gate Studio while still living in Los Angeles and the entrance to the studio was literally the Back Gate.
Education
Interior and Environmental Design/U.C.L.A.,
ArtCenter College of Design, Barnsdall Art Center.
Experience
Since relocating Back Gate Studio from L.A. to Boise in 2010, I divide my time between creating art and instructing out of my studio. The Studio also travels to various schools and businesses in the Boise area with classes and workshops for children and adults...after-school art classes, art camps, Adult Paint Night, 'Wine & Weave' Branch Weaving workshops, private parties, corporate team-building, and more.
Artworks have been featured several times in Bon Appetit and Good Housekeeping magazines, as well as decorated sets at Disney Studios, and in General Electric, Vons Markets and Kraft Foods commercials.
Inspiration
Incorporating nature's elements into my art brings me joy! Rippling water, sunsets, and majestic mountains are seen often in my work, reminiscent of family camping trips and vacations in Hawaii. The earthy elements in my weavings and paintings are a direct result of those special outdoor experiences. Beautiful Idaho surroundings bring inspiration every day!
MISSION AS AN EDUCATOR
“Creating unique opportunities for my students to be imaginative, and helping them to
make their art personal and unique.”