We were lucky to catch up with Claira Barilar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claira, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
As far as I can remember, I’ve been an artist. Drawing on the bathroom wall, spilling paint in my bed- all of these led to the artist I am now, even though it didn’t seem that way at the time.
Throughout school, I was always known as the artistic or creative one in my class, and so it was no surprise to anyone when I ultimately majored in art in college, and then in graduate school. I personally don’t think there was ever another path for me, and I’m right where I’m meant to be.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Claira Barilar, and I am a visual artist and educator living and working in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. I hold an MFA in Painting from Penn West Edinboro University, and a BFA in Studio Art from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am currently a graduate student at Carlow University for my Master’s of Education in Art Education.
Creating art is something I’ve always done or found a way to do, regardless of whether or not it was the right time or place. I’ve truthfully never seriously considered another path for myself, and am happy I stuck with what my entire life has been based around: Being an artist.
I am a painter, illustrator, and printmaker, though I mainly focus in painting as my primary medium. I also offer free mentorship services at my studio in Pittsburgh, giving me a chance to teach what I’ve learned to others at no cost. I believe art and art business education should be accessible, so I’m doing my part in making it so.
I think I’m most proud of my outlook on the arts- that they are for everyone, and should be accessible to everyone. Art heals. Art communicates. Art brings communities together.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’m currently in the midst of a pivot, actually. After having worked in nonprofit arts organizations for nearly a decade after earning my MFA, I am starting school again so I can transition from the out-of-school time arts coordinator to a full-time art teacher.
I want to be more hands-on with my students and help them solve problems creatively, and while I do have access to this at my current job, I’m simply ready to move on to the next step of making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is sharing it with other people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.virgosunstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virgosunstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virgosunstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairabarilar/
Image Credits
Each photo was taken by me.