Barbra Paitich

Barbra Paitich is a Sierra Foothills artist who has used a wide variety of media throughout her life. Her passion for art began when she was young. She earned a BA at San Jose State University studying and creating in their renowned arts program.

In her journey with watercolors, ceramics, raising sheep and spinning and weaving fabric, she found a passion in silk painting. Studying welding at Sierra College, she found, in the plasma torch, a means for her to cut organic, free-flowing steel to weld and weave delicate silk with hard-edged metal for a juxtaposition of unique wall art.

She is best known for the vibrant and lush colors, and forms used in her wall art as well as wearable silk wraps and scarves. Her wall art incorporates metal, treated with a patina finish, that has been cut into organic shapes using a plasma torch; to this metal, she adds painted silk to complete the organic vision.

Her metal work has evolved to include copper and brass jewelry formed and cut into pleasing designs that include dichroic glass accents. During open studio tours she demonstrates her work by painting on silk and encourages visitors to try their hand at silk painting while visiting.

Barbra lives on ten acres in the country, which influences her creations as a blend of materials drawn from nature. She is a member of the North Auburn Artist group which has annual Mothers’ Day Open Studio tour as well as the Placer Arts, exhibits at the SpringHill Marriot, and other events throughout the year. She has displayed art at Blue Line Gallery and Art League of Lincoln. She was a member of Auburn Old Town Gallery, Sacramento Co-op Gallery, Black Bear Gallery in Mt Shasta City.