Barb Temple is a Calgary-based self-taught artist, working out of her home studio. As a kid, she was always happiest with a pen and paper in hand. Barb began exploring metal smithing in the ’90s at a weekend course, followed by a night class at the art college, she was hooked! Life led her to northern Alberta, where she spent summers cooking in tree planting camps, posted at lookout towers, and as a radio operator for the Forest Fire Service. During the winters she completed her commercial pilot’s license, eventually flying a floatplane in northern Manitoba then flew for the Air Ambulance service in Grande Prairie.
Returning to metal smithing in 2016 in a weekly night class at the Blackboard Studio is where Barb’s spark for metal smithing was reignited. With the COVID closures of 2020, she set up a studio in her home which allowed her the time and space to experiment and find her voice. Barb’s pieces are one-of-a-kind, inspired by the organic shapes and lines found in nature.
As a self-taught metalsmith, Barb Temple creates unique sterling silver art jewelry pieces. Practicing traditional metal smithing techniques along with unconventional techniques she fabricates, solders, and fuses the metal allowing organic shapes to form. By incorporating a variety of hinges, prongs, hollow forms and water casting the pieces emerge from the workbench organic in shape and feel. Barb will add semi-precious stones, antlers and found objects to her pieces striving to emulate the perfect balance and beauty found in nature.
As an exploratory artist, Barb is always trying new ideas therefore each piece of jewelry is truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Inspiration comes from the deep love and awe she finds in nature, animals and the beauty found in all of us.
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
We live on the west side of the city, fifteen minutes to downtown and quick access to the mountains. Our neighborhood has beautiful walking paths and I try to walk early in the mornings to catch the sun coming up behind downtown. Super lucky to be living in this beautiful city.
What do you do?
I am a metalsmith artist.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on a collection of silver botanical jewellery for the spring reopening of the Leighton Centre. Alongside of this I have also begun exploring paper collage and assemblage boxes, which are slowly starting to appear on my Instagram page! I am excited to see where those will take me!
Where can we find your work?
My work can be found at the Leighton Art Centre in Millarville; The Alberta Craft Council in Edmonton, and twice a year at the Beacon Original Art Show. You can also follow me on Instagram and visit my website.
