In the radiant tapestry of Vancouver-based artist Barbara Strigel’s creations, the ordinary streets become extraordinary architectural spaces. Strigel, a seasoned photographer, artist, and bookmaker, reconstructs street photographs into evocative realms that transcend the boundaries of conventional perception. Born in Philadelphia, she embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, honing her skills in photography and printmaking at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

A Pedagogue’s Legacy: 20 Years of Creative Impact

Strigel’s artistic journey is enriched by her extensive experience as an educator. Having taught photography, pottery, and graphic design in a Seattle public high school for over two decades, she imparted her knowledge and passion to aspiring minds. The echoes of her pedagogical legacy reverberate through her fine art practice, which gained momentum after her retirement in 2013.

Digital Alchemy: Constructing Collages of Feeling

Architecture, for Strigel, serves as more than a physical construct—it is a gateway to recollections and meditations that tether us to a space. Her distinctive collages are crafted digitally, weaving together drawings and torn paper fragments over the canvas of photographs. This meticulous process aims to capture the essence of the emotions that initially propelled her to capture the scene through her lens.

The Rossi Influence: Architectural Expressions of Longing

Immersed in the visionary works of Italian architect Aldo Rossi, Strigel draws inspiration from his belief that architecture has the power to articulate intangible yearnings and is, at its core, a quest for meaning. Much like Rossi’s approach to his craft, Strigel employs photography and collage as instruments to give tangible form to the concept of resonant space. Her creations, echoing Rossi’s philosophy, go beyond the tangible structures, seeking to encapsulate the ephemeral and emotional dimensions of the spaces she encapsulates.

A Journey to Meaningful Spaces: Strigel’s Intention

Throughout her ongoing project, Barbara Strigel’s artistic intention aligns with Rossi’s vision, seeking to express profound sentiments through her creations. Each collage becomes a vessel, carrying the viewer into a realm where architecture becomes a language for unspoken emotions and latent meanings. Strigel’s work beckons individuals to contemplate the intangible, to explore the visceral connections between architecture and the human experience.

Conclusion: Resonant Spaces in Strigel’s Art

In conclusion, Barbara Strigel emerges as an artist who transcends the conventional boundaries of photography and collage. Her meticulous craftsmanship transforms streets into resonant spaces that evoke not just the physicality of architecture but the emotional imprints left by the human experience. Inspired by Aldo Rossi’s philosophy, Strigel’s work becomes a testament to the idea that art, in all its forms, is a profound search for meaning—a journey she invites us to embark upon through the intricate tapestry of her collages.