Barbara Oliver Hartman

A native of Yuma, Arizona, this southwestern heritage is apparent in Barbara’s work. Since she began quiltmaking in 1980, her original designs have displayed a contemporary southwestern flavor along with Amish and art deco styles.

Barbara’s Grandmother quilted out of necessity using scraps and discarded clothing and made special quilts for each family member. Her mother was a dressmaker and entrepreneur, who founded a small dressmaking company in the 1950’s that specialized in southwestern-style clothing. Barbara’s father was a talented artist/craftsman as a gunsmith and knife maker.

Quiltmaking has given Barbara a needed outlet for self-expression. The work she is doing today reflects her attitudes about herself, life in general, with a little social commentary added for good measure.

Award-winning quilts by Barbara have been exhibited in many quilt shows around the country. She has been juried into Visions: San Diego and Quilt National numerous times. Through invitation or the jury process, she has also participated in many shows at museums and art centers nationwide.

In addition to making quilts and teaching, Barbara also has judged many quilt shows, curated exhibitions, and has self-published a pattern line since 1989.

Barbara lives in Flower Mound, Texas with her husband Bob. When not traveling or teaching, she spends as much time as possible at home making quilts.

I began quiltmaking about 25 years ago because I needed a “hobby”. It has become the thing that I spend the most time doing. I work on quilts just about every day. A perfect day for me is going into my studio and spending the day. I take breaks for household duties, meals, etc... A perfect week is doing this seven days in a row. That unfortunately does not happen all the time. I am easily distracted and have the practical matters of life to deal with. I enjoy phone calls and lunches with my friends who are mostly all quilters. I am a very one-dimensional person that is totally possessed by what I do. Life is good.

 

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