Biography

Ontario College of Art and Design
Humber College - Weaving
Sheridan College - Interior Design, Fiction Writing
Springbank Visual Arts - Painting in Watercolours

Pat Barker attended the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, where she studied drawing, painting, illustration, and was introduced to fiber arts. Later, she studied weaving at Humber College.

After Art College, Pat worked as a weaver and fibre artist in her Toronto studio for 16 years. While raising her three daughters, she produced 3-dimensional sculptural pieces, wall art, and home decor accessories for corporate, retail and residential customers. In the 1980's, Pat developed a passion for fiction writing, which lead to several stories being published, one in a literary journal. In addition, for a period of 12 years, she worked as a freelance writer, editor and illustrator.

In the mid - 90's, Pat had a strong desire to return to her fine art roots. To refresh her skills and learn new ones, she began to draw again in the life studios at OCAD and other Toronto locations. She enrolled in many local watercolour courses as well. She has recently begun to work in acrylics on canvas.

  "I returned to fine art in the mid '90's, after a long hiatus. I had never painted before,
  so admittedly, I had a lot to learn. I'm still learning new things every day, and I hope
  each new experience and each new project, makes me a better artist and a better
  person. I realize now that I should have been doing this all my life."

After discovering painting, she now wonders why she never tried it before.

    "It's like a new gift has been given to me. I'm enjoying myself immensely these days."

Pat works in watercolours, acrylics on canvas, pen and ink, graphite pencil, conte, and mixed media.

The subject matter she chooses is widely varied, as you will notice from viewing the different galleries.

  "I hope you enjoy this site and return to see new work as it is added."