So many of my designs have been influenced by the beautiful flower gardens from my fondest childhood memories.
I grew up in the village of McFarland, WI in a house built by my father, uncle, and grandfather. It was on the same farmland as my grandparent’s house and year by year, my grandfather added more and more flower gardens, until it was truly beautiful & enchanting. My sister Julie, myself and the neighbor kids, played there all the time. We played with our Troll dolls, and Barbie’s and made carpet for their houses with moss. They wore acorn caps, and had furniture made from the rocks and sticks we found. This must be where my love of gardening, flowers & nature must have all started.
After college, I fully expected to become a commercial artist, but my real dream was to be an illustrator. This came to fruition when I worked for sportswear companies in Seattle, illustrating a range of designs for apparel.
In 2006, I started working for the Lang Company as a graphic designer and a few years later, I was asked to do the artwork for a calendar called Botanical Gardens and of course, I said yes!
I often think, “Why didn’t I start doing this earlier?” I absolutely love it! I now know that all of my life experiences and hard work, had to finally come together first and also give me the courage to ask, “Why not me?”
“It seems that in my life, little pieces of my life’s experiences & hobbies have come together to inspire my creativity & artwork.”
My husband Ken is a history teacher at Mayville High School. He’s a history nut who loves his students and teaching. Our son Griffin is a singer and songwriter, playing his guitar all over Wisconsin. I have so much pride listening to his creativity.
I also enjoy walking our dogs, Augie and Ruby and taking them to local dog parks, where they can run and play. Today as I write this, the dogs and I just got back from a nearby dog park on Lake Kegonsa. My office smells of wet dogs!
I love going to flea markets to look for inspiration. This love of other people’s junk, started as a child. My Aunt Marion took me to the Mukwanago Flea market and let me roam the flea market all day. I was hooked! I am actually now known as, Bargain Barb.
All images, artwork & text are copyright of Barbara Anderson, unless otherwise noted, and may not be reproduced without permission.