Originally from Ohio, Barbara Haeme attended Kent State University where she majored in fine arts. While in Weisbaden, Germany she attended the Herzfeld School of Art where she was able to explore the outer limits of her creativity. Her dimensional papers and collections of found objects have evolved from these explorations. She works from her studio in Granite Falls, North Carolina.

Artist's Statement
Creating designs from almost anything I can find, is great fun for me. I hope the results are fun for you to see, to study, and to discover. While I don't like to be bound by labels, my dimensional media are an innovative presentation of found objects, layered in geometric and free-form designs. Each original design is developed in three-dimensional depth, inspired by the materials and objects used (copper, silver, papers, tiles, piano parts, brass pieces, and more). Most important is imagination; I like to work with specific color schemes to begin, knowing that the end result may take a completely new direction, as imagination and inspiration combine.

Major creation require more than 200 hours of work and tireless attention to detail. I use acrylics, pen and ink, handmade papers, gold leaf, metal paints and oil paints to complete a single piece, then seal it with a water-soluble varnish for an enamel or matte effect.

For more than twenty years, I have created three-dimensional works in watercolors, acrylics, cut and layered rag board, oils, pen and ink, and found objects to present at art shows and in galleries. During the past year, I have been intrigued by new media—causing me to find new ways to see every day objects. Working with the key and hammer sections of a piano has given me a deep respect for the piano builder. Industrial products and machine shop scraps provide marvelous colors, textures and shapes. Using various metals in combination with plumbing connections, welding slag, brass nuts, washers and bolts opened up a whole new source called "Home Depot". Other interesting finds were at Radio Shack® where there is one whole wall of various shaped, colored beads attached to think wire called resistors and diodes.

My hope is that you recognize something familiar to you, presented in a totally new context. Let that draw you in to enjoy the details, them step back to experience the complete work and the impression it conveys.

Further information on collectors and exhibitions.