Barbara Hege Mercer
Art has influenced Barbara her entire life. From childhood in Germany with her father, a well-known art photographer, and her grandfather, who taught her the secrets of nature, its beauty and mysteries, her childhood curiosity allowed her to express these influences thru the visual arts.
Later, Barbara’s diligence and hard work awarded her a Master’s in Fine Arts at Berkeley, California. Barbara’s paintings reflect these many experiences, the love of nature, and at the same time, embrace relationships with the human spirit and strive for communication towards a compassionate world.
Escape Out of East Germany
30 in x 22 in
Barbara Hege was born during WWII in Germany and experienced as a small child the traumatic post-war years in Russian-occupied East Germany. Her first school years were strongly affected by communistic indoctrination, and as a result school became anxiety provoking. Her mother decided to escape East Germany and take Barbara along with her two younger brothers to West Germany.
With an experienced guide, they walked two hours through the forest to leave East Germany. Her father planned to join them after completing a commissioned book project, but escaping became impossible later due to the numerous towers manned by gunmen guards along the “Iron Curtain.”
Barbara missed her dad, who provided her with an artistic inspiration for life, though she developed a loving relationship with her grandfather. He taught her about the secrets of nature and its beauty, its mysteries, its joy and sadness in life and death.
Expanding Horizons
From early teenage years, Barbara desired to expand her horizons, meet people from other countries, and would stay for months to integrate herself into new surroundings and societies. London, the South of France, and Brussels became the most influential destinations fueling her curiosity, and desire to experience culture and art.
Visiting the United States was another dream come true. A childhood friend living in Berkeley, California, invited Barbara to stay with her and help out with her two small children. During her exciting stay in this university town, Barbara met Charles Mercer. Within a few months, they married in Barbara’s hometown in Germany.
Once Barbara received a permanent residence visa, she joined Charles in the San Francisco Bay area. Charles encouraged Barbara to start college. She was accepted at the University of California at Berkeley, where she worked and studied for many stimulating years. She first received her B.A. in Art, then continued her graduate studies, receiving a Master’s in Fine Arts. Art Professor David Simpson became Barbara’s mentor. His intellect, art knowledge combined with a sense of humor, supported Barbara to express herself with confidence.
Oil on canvas, 54 in x 54 in
A Pacific Northwest Atelier & Artist
Oil on canvas, 48.5 in x 48.5 in
Barbara’s goal after graduation was to teach but art programs were cut back during the Reagan Administration and no teaching positions were available. She decided to take a class in picture framing from Paul Frederick, the exclusive picture framer for photographer Ansel Adams. Under his direction, she learned the most advanced conservation techniques for the preservation of artwork. Barbara went on to become an expert Atelier and open her own picture framing business.
After 20 years living in California, Barbara discovered the Northwest. It reminded her of childhood, where the year presents four different seasons and a kaleidoscope of natural beauty, including mountains, oceans, forests, glowing sunsets and sunrises, and blue sky that can change into dramatic landscape of clouds.
Barbara is thrilled to share her life experiences.