2 minute read
Barry Strasbourg-Thompson
BY NADINE WONG
With more than 70 years of professional experience, local artist and educator Barry Strasbourg-Thompson is a true veteran of the creative world.
“I come from seven generations of artists and began my art career at eight years old, painting for Crawley Films in Ottawa,” he recalls with a smile. “That job paid me $10, which was a lot of money in the ’50s.”
Barry holds an Honours BFA from the University of Ottawa, along with several diplomas and certificates from other institutions. “My degree was in art and healthcare,” he explains. “I’ve taught professionally in programs for children, seniors and veterans, often integrating art as a tool for healing and personal growth.”
For Barry, art is more than a practice –it’s a philosophy. He sees it as a lifelong path towards wellness, self-awareness and authentic expression. “These three questions underpin my teaching and creative philosophy: Who am I? Why am I here? Who are these others?”
Barry believes true art isn’t about financial gain but about honest expression and conscious awareness – understanding oneself and one’s place in the world.
Currently, Barry is developing a new series titled Circling Home, a reflective series of work exploring the symbolism of the circle and the idea of wholeness.
“Each series is like a chapter in a book,” he notes. “A single painting can contain everything.”
When asked about his daily routine, Barry says, “I start my day early, focusing on quiet reflection and business tasks, and often take time to spend with my partner, Gail, before heading into my home studio. I also work out of my van, a kind of rolling classroom. I’ll drive someplace and produce some drawings.”
Still active in teaching and mentoring, Barry continues to inspire others through his belief that art is not just a skill but a path to healing, authenticity and personal evolution.
