Today we’d like to introduce you to Bari-Lynn Friedlander.
Hi Bari-Lynn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Bari-Lynn Friedlander. I am an abstract artist, particularly known for my Cubism Series. I have been creating artwork since I was a little girl, however it was during my teen years where I found that art was no longer just something I loved to do but rather something I needed to do. Artwork became my outlet; the one place I forgot about all the chaos surrounding me and where I felt whole. I was never alone when I was making art. After graduating from Tulane University with a degree in Art, I moved to NYC and began my career in fashion where I worked for the largest luxury good conglomerate in the world, LVMH. However, as I stopped painting I found myself feeling like something was missing. It was then, in 2019, where I decided to dedicate my life towards what made me happy and share my passion with others. And so, I left my job and took a leap of faith to pursue my dreams of being an artist. I began by managing and working at a few Art Galleries to really learn the ins and outs of the art world and then moved on to producing and sharing my own artwork. I was astonished to see the feedback and soon my dream became a reality.
Art saved my life in more ways than one: from being my outlet and the one place I felt at home while struggling with depression in my teen years to constantly calming me from my everyday ongoing anxiety that I still struggle with today. It had always been my dream to share with others the love that art brings me, and I am so proud to say that I do that every day.
I am a strong advocate for mental health awareness and hope that with my art I can make mental health an open conversation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. I left my job to pursue art right before Covid so there have been a lot of factors at play. However, I do have to thank social media for its strong role in spreading the message about my artwork.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My most popular works, the Abstract Cubism Series, have been not only my most popular and recognizable collection, yet another way for me to include love into a painting. With commissions of this series, I add in hidden motifs and symbols that represent my clients. From symbolism of a mother’s son that passed away to a client’s army unit insignia, these pieces really touch my clients and make me feel fulfilled in what I do. With all my work I aim to spread Mental Health awareness and make it an open conversation. I not only paint full time, but I also work for a Mental Heath Rehabilitation Center teaching art therapy and work with Basel Buddies, an organization that aims to empower underprivileged youth through art.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe my strongest quality is also my weakest. My anxiety can sometimes be overwhelming, yet I also feel that it reminds me to paint even more and never give up because I know that my art is the one thing that takes that anxiety away! When I don’t paint and when I have moments of giving up, the anxiety increases. However, when I just put pen to paper or brush to canvas, it all goes away.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barilynn.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barilynn.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BariLynn.Art/
Image Credits
Bari-Lynn Friedlander
