Arts of the Terrace

Seattle realist painter Frankie Gollub paintings captivate the viewer as they behold the very places and moments of fleeting light that inspire his work. As participants in an experience, Frankie’s collectors are magically transported to the top of a ridge, valleys and rock walls descending below while Mount Rainier, majestic in her scale and sublime, is bathed in the light of a late afternoon. Standing on the shores of an alpine lake, shrouded in mystery and dark from the shadows cast by massive walls of the surrounding mountain, the beholder takes in the rewards of a long hike. Suddenly a beam of light reveals a motif of nature that might have been overlooked had Frankie not chosen to unveil this spotlight in his painting. Frankie leads his audience towards a new way of looking at nature. They can no longer hike without conjuring memories of the experiences felt while spellbound by the majesty Frankie creates with oil paint. By sharing his experiences of nature’s light, mystery, and drama, Frankie creates an experience for the viewer to make them feel as if they are standing in the places that inspire him.

“The paintings I create entrance my audience to feel the emotions, subtleties, and drama that inspire my vision as a painter. It is the expression of an experience that defines my work.”

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA, and began working with clay at High School. I went to the University of Washington to work with Robert Sperry, Patti Warashina and Howard Kottler. Receiving my BFA in 1975, I proceeded to set up my studio in the Seattle area. Over the years I’ve taught at the University of Washington and Everett Community College and have given numerous workshops. I currently teach at Shoreline Community College.

I have been a ceramic artist in Seattle since 1968 and have worked predominately in porcelain on the potter’s wheel. My forms are defined by functional simplicity and the white surface of each piece is decorated with abstract brushwork in blues, browns and grays.

I also utilize the contrast of the white porcelain surface with a black matte glaze. The development of this glaze has allowed me to employ new forms of decoration on the clay surface, juxtaposing biomorphic poured shapes in contrast to the dense white porcelain. These drips create a graphic tension that is enhanced by orienting the directional flow of the glaze from both rim and foot of the piece. The shape of the pot informs the pouring process creating overlapping patterns which integrate the form, surface, and decoration, unifying the overall design.

More recently I have been exploring my interest in science and technology and their impact on society, in a series of plates. Impressions of various objects are made in the soft clay, becoming contemporary fossils. The contents of each plate are meant to “serve up” commentaries or provoke observations of the ideas, decisions, and developments that impact our actions and leave an “impression” on our society.

My goal is to blend technique and intuition in both form and surface treatment, while working in the vessel format.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Barbara moved to Seattle, WA. after graduating from College. Barbara spent a number of years working in finance, that is until her husband gave her a camera. With a move to Sammamish WA, she started photographing the neighborhood children in her garden, eventually taking over a room in their house as a studio. Today, her studio uses 2,500 square feet of their home and an acre of gardens. Barbara is makeup artist, photographer, and editor for all her clients, while her husband is the accountant and chief Sherpa. Seasonally, the staff is from 2 to 5 employees. She is singularly focused on portraits and specializes in capturing all the expressions of love: love of family, of a partner, a child, a job, and of self.

She belongs to both local and national professional organizations and charities. She served three years as Operation-Competition Director and four years as President of the Board of Directors for the Seattle Professional Photography Association (SPPA). Her community work is focused on local charitable organizations working with the Issaquah Nourish Network, the Food Bank, the Senior Center and Issaquah School Foundation volunteering photography, time and service.

Barbara has competed twice and twice won Best Photographer of the Year having 12 months of highest points in all divisions. Additionally, she has received awards for Excellent in the Inner Circle National Group Competitions. She continues her studies in business management and advances in photography related technology, specifically the newest and amazing use of Artificial Intelligence.

When asked about retirement she will reply “Never. Why stop doing what you love?”