About

Jaime Barks grew up roaming the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Those countless hours she spent wandering the woods as a child are evident in her work. After nearly a decade working in the non-profit world, Jaime decided to pursue her childhood love of art. She seeks to bring her passion for the natural world to people by reminding them to stop and experience their surroundings. Her work is based on places she has been, she uses a combination of reference images and sketches done on location to capture the feeling of a place. Living in Chattanooga’s North Shore provides her countless opportunities to experience nature from running on the walking bridge to hiking on Stringer's Ridge. Since making the leap into the life of a full-time artist Jaime has shown work at various art festivals, gallery shows, juried events, and public art displays. Her paintings are in both private and public collections. She has also had the opportunity to be an artist in residency with the US Forest Service in Alaska, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and Stone River National Battle Field in Murfreesboro, TN

If she isn’t in the studio she likes to spend her time camping, biking, reading, or hiking.

 

JAIME LOVES TO SHARE SNIPPETS OF HER ART AND LIFE ON INSTAGRAM.  YOU CAN FIND HER AT @JAIMEBARKS.  SHE IS ALSO ON TIKTOK AS JAMJAMBARKS (PS. SHE IS EXTRA SPICY OVER THERE).

Okay, now that boring impersonal artist statement is over let’s really get to know each other, shall we?

Things you should know about me . . I cuss like a sailor and I read lots of books.

My favorite place in entire the world is outside. I love camping, hiking, and biking. I love backpacking and I am currently working to knock out some more section hikes on the Appalachian Trail.

I don’t have any formal art training, my undergrad is in communications. I used to think that this was embarrassing but now I think it’s a gift. I am so freaking passionate about art I taught myself?!?! And I like to think it gives me an edge because I don’t have all the art school baggage. That being said I am still a little jealous of people with art degrees because of all the art history stuff.

I do work from reference photos and my paintings are based on real places but I love to interpret them in a dream-like state. I’m more concerned with capturing the feeling and energy of a place and a moment than photorealism.

My favorite book of all time is “The signature of all things,” my favorite poet is Mary Oliver (duh), I am either listening to indie folk/Americana or female rap (Brandi Carlile and Carbi B are both on my frequently played) and my favorite TV show is Schitt’s Creek.

Now that you know me a little better take a look around and let me know if you have any questions.