MEEDO
Bio of Meed Barnett

Fourth-generation artist and craftsperson, I could hold brushes before I could hold a fork. Born in Greenwich Village, New York City, I was taken to Woodstock, New York at age 4, where I grew up surrounded by the art and influence of many fine painters who were working in the Woodstock area at that time. The end of family life led to many living arrangements in the Woodstock area, including an Episcopal convent, and two European homes. First art instruction came from grandfather, advertising artist Rudolf Wetterau, who worked out of New York City. At age 15, I won a summer scholarship to the Woodstock branch of the Art Student's League of New York City (now the Woodstock School of Art), and later won all available high school graduation awards for art. I studied art at SUNY New Paltz, and years later at the University of Hawaii. I hand finished large portrait photography at two Rochester, NY studios for several years. With this and other jobs, I self-financed a Bachelor of Arts (SUNY at Buffalo), and an MA (University of Hawaii). I was at times: a camp counselor, a welder, an English tutor, a full time teacher, a retail administrator, a dishwasher, a portrait studio photofinisher, a dental assistant., a refugee resettlement worker, a singer, an art teacher, and of course an artist and illustrator. While in Honolulu, I illustrated teaching materials for the State of Hawaii Public School System. Moving to Philadelphia, I studied with Francis McCarthy at Fleischer Art Memorial in Philadelphia, PA. Marriage brought a move to Southern New Jersey. I conducted a paper mache puppet theatre workshop with students at Atlantic County New School in 1990, culminating in a feature-length performance, and taught other art classes at the school. Over the years, I have shown in many juried shows, had several one-person shows, and have won numerous awards, including several best-of-shows. I have judged in several important juried shows. For five years, I was the art teacher for grades K – 8 at St. Nicholas Catholic School in Egg Harbor City. I continue to maintain studios at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, and in Galloway, NJ.

Artist's Statement

I work in many media, drawing from my extensive collection of life experiences and memories. I also make wearable art in copper, brass, and sterling. As an artist, I am feral—not to be tied down to one style, medium or artistic philosophy. If I like a subject, medium, found object, it or they will find a way into my work. My studio is an ever-expanding olio of objects awaiting new life in one of my works. Frames are chosen to work with a given painting, rather than all matching.

Savor each piece as though there were nothing else in the room. In this way, you will enjoy the show as I have intended.