Calligraphy focus of library exhibit
Published 7:48 pm Monday, February 25, 2008
The Mountlake Terrace Art Commission presents an exhibit of the calligraphy of Kathryn Barker at the Mountlake Terrace Library through the month of February.
From an early age Kathryn Barker had a passion for art and the beauty of hand lettering. “From early childhood memories of seeing my Grandfather’s rare bible and manuscript collection, I have wanted to emulate the beauty of historic master scribes,” said Barker. “My passion for creative expression in Calligraphy has been a synthesis of all these life interests.”
Throughout school she focused on drawing and lettering. “Growing up in New England, the natural world also inspired me. Detail and precision came with my subsequent fine art training and work as a medical illustrator,” said Barker, who was a double major in Fine Art and English Literature, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan.
She moved to the Seattle area in 1978 and, with her background in calligraphy, became involved in calligraphic art societies.
Barker has trained and worked professionally in the calligraphic arts for over 30 years and has continued extensive master classes in the calligraphic arts. “The calligraphic arts provide a perfect means to express my passion for the beauty of nature, the expressive use of literature and poetic ideas, and a passion for the historical illuminated manuscripts of the past,” she said.
An instructor for the University of Washington Continuing Education Program for over 20 years, Barker currently teaches calligraphy at Bellevue Community College and art at Eastside Academy High School.
Barker’s calligraphy has been shown in numerous juried art shows. Her published work includes illustrations for a book of poetry, several chapters in calligraphic arts journals, medical art texts, and illustrations and calligraphy for a travel guidebook.
