Barbara Kagan has worked as a prep cook, waitress, receptionist, swim instructor, lifeguard, insurance company drone, newspaper library assistant, travel editor's secretary, junior designer, art director and illustrator.

Her interest in art began at age 2 with finger paints. In fourth grade Barbara produced a block print. In the first printed review of her work (from the King Philip Elementary School Room 8 newspaper Eight on the Spot), Barbara's effort was referred to as "stylish and colorful. It would make nice fabric." For many years, Barbara had no idea of what to do with all her creative energy.

Barbara finally decided to study graphic design and printmaking; the 2 disciplines seemed to complement each other nicely.

Today Barbara lives in a contemporary-style house in the woods with her husband and their 2 dachshunds, Shorty and Noggin. Besides working full-time as an art director, Barbara designs websites for her husband's business, webKazoo. She is also an avid swimmer, bicyclist, hiker, furniture restorer, reader, cook, Brazilian music fan, and gardener. Her latest passion is beading, a discipline that, like graphic design, involves solving a puzzle.

Inspiration: Many things, but particularly: Andy Goldsworthy, Helen Frankenthaler, ornate gold frames, rusted pieces of wire, spherical objects, twisted wisteria branches, letterforms, fine papers, bird nests, the color lime-green, original art by close friends, book covers, wine labels, old signs, weathered wood, bowling pins, Margaret Atwood, insects, Edward Hopper, Maira Kalman, the ocean.

To get in touch: barbara@barbarakagan.com