River Ballads, Artwork by Barbara Hocker

Barbara Hocker is a Connecticut artist inspired by her practice of Tai Chi to create books and encaustic prints that capture moments and details of nature by combining digital photographs and mixed water-based media. She tries to capture the fleeting imperfection of Wabi Sabi in her artwork. Barbara grew up between the beach and saltwater marsh, now haunts the local lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls for inspiration. The works in River Ballads sing of rivers, many inspired by the tidal reach of the Connecticut River.