Biography of Barbara Hodges: A Canvas of Faith and Hope

Early Life and Education

Barbara Hodges was born and raised in the small City of Waycross, Georgia about 65 miles from the East Coast. Her art studio is in her home in Signal Mountain, TN. where she has lived since 1994.

She has been enveloped by the world of art since her early childhood. From sketching flowers in her backyard to doodling in the margins of her school notebooks, art has always been a place of retreat. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from The University of Georgia, Lamar Dodd School of Art, where her skills and passion were nurtured under the guidance of seasoned professors and peers alike.

Journey Through Art

In her initial years, Barbara predominantly focused on commissioned work, primarily creating intricate pen and ink drawings. She brought to life the visages of homes, businesses, and pets. At times, she enhanced these monochrome artworks with watercolor accents. While these pieces were cherished by her clients, she always felt the pull to explore the broader spectrum of her artistic ability.

Personal Struggles

The expanse of Barbara’s artistic ability was hindered by her own internal struggles. She grappled with a pervasive poor self-image for many years. This led her to hesitate in putting the thoughts she envisioned onto canvas, confining her art to what she felt was "acceptable" to others.

A Turning Point

A significant transformation occurred in Barbara's life when she began to see her art as not just a personal endeavor, but a divine one. As her faith grew, so did her confidence in her ability to create. She started to pray over every canvas or paper, thanking God for her ability and His inspiration throughout her work. This shift in perspective imbued her with newfound confidence and freedom, enabling her to transition into a variety of artistic avenues such as oil paintings and watercolors.

Current Works

Today, Barbara's portfolio brims with lush landscapes, vibrant florals, and emotive
depictions of pets. She has garnered particular acclaim for her uncanny ability to
capture the personalities of the animals she paints—a skill she attributes to her deep love for them, especially dogs.

Philosophy

Barbara’s artistic philosophy is simple but deeply touching. She says, "My hope is that my art will bring joy to the lives of everyone and that it will always radiate love wherever it may hang." Her art is more than a visual experience: it's a testament to her faith, her resilience, and her ceaseless wonder for the world around her.

With an unbreakable spirit and a brush in hand, Barbara Hodges continues to fill the
world with the hues of her imagination and the textures of her soul. Her work is not just a collection of beautiful images but an expression of joy and love.

My Hope

 Her hope is that everyone reading this will recognize that our Heavenly Father gives us special talents and gifts. These are meant to be nurtured and shared with others; thus, helping to make the world a better place. In sharing her own vulnerabilities, Barbara hopes to touch the lives of those who come across her work, instilling in them a sense of worthiness and potential.

Her ongoing journey is a testament that her art and innate talent are not just an expression of skill, but also an expression of her faith in Christ. Barbara hopes her portfolio and story will encourage others to find their God given talent.