This lovely lady cared for many people, she loved life and she loved people, she was foster Mum to six children plus having three of her own.
I got to know her towards the end of 2004, she encouraged me to do pottery at first and then was delighted when I started to do art as well.
In terms of producing art and ceramic modelling, pots etc, Barbara gave you confidence; she helped me to believe in myself and my work. She was also a very kind hearted woman. We called her our 'Angel Teacher', because she had us all making ceramic angels and although she taught us art, maybe she was also teaching us about angels, and how to reach for the stars.
You see when I first arrived at the center where she worked to do some pottery and meet new people, about the sixth item I made was a ceramic model of the devil. We always talked about this because I went home (after making him) all disturbed and wondering what on earth I was going to do with him, I was scared but too scared to ask Barbara not to fire him.
Anyhow, the next thing I knew was that he had come apart in her hands! First his left arm fell off when she picked him up, then his right arm and then his head fell off! Barbara said that I could put him together again with slip but I said no, and we put his remains in the bucket for recycling clay, and I made a tree with birds and flowers from it. We both found it an extraordinary experience especially as she noted, the models I generally make do not fall apart. I believed at that time and to this day that Barbara was too good and that is why the devil fell apart in her hands.
We argued sometimes, but in fairness she had a number of groups that she was taking and had to take care of everyone's interests, but we learned a lot together, she was wonderful and really understood me well.
We entered an exhibition of our work in Canterbury in 2008, and when someone there wanted to buy one of my clay pieces she saw to the business side of the deal and we were all very happy.
I have lost a teacher, a confidante and a friend, and I have been feeling so lost without her. At her funeral on Thursday 15th April 2010, it made me feel close to what it might be like to lose my mother and you know I am so grateful to Barbara for allowing me that. Losing my mother is something I have feared all my life and now Barbara has given me part experience of it and helped me in that respect too.
In her life she gave so much and so too did she give in her death. A true warrior. Rest In Peace.
This song is dedicated to you, Barbara; When I need you.
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