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PaintingJaime Barks
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PaintingThat’s a Big Bend
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PaintingDevils in the Canyon
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PaintingChasing the Sunset
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PaintingAlong the Brow
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PaintingAin’t Life Grand
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Jaime Barks
Jaime Barks
Chattanooga,
TN
Medium:
Painting “I've been drawn to visual storytelling for as long as I can remember,” says Jaime Barks. “As a child, I was fascinated by images and the way a single picture could communicate a feeling or transport you somewhere else. I also loved making things with my hands and creating objects from simple materials. Becoming an artist felt like a natural extension of those interests.
“Today, I use painting as a way to share my experiences in nature, explore emotional connections to place, and create images that invite others to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around them.”
Jaime creates art to capture what it feels like to be in nature, not just what it looks like. Growing up exploring the Smoky Mountains shaped a deep connection to the outdoors that still drives her work today.
“Every painting begins with real places I’ve experienced, so I can translate those moments into something more emotional and personal. Art, for me, is a way to process, connect, and share the beauty of the natural world.”
Get to know Jaime better:
What advice would you give to a young artist just starting out?
My advice to young artists is simple, take your time. Finding your artistic voice is really about finding yourself, and that doesn't happen overnight. Be patient, stay curious, and focus on creating work that feels authentic to you. Styles come and go, but the more you understand who you are and what matters to you, the stronger and more meaningful your work will become.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
Honestly, that's a hard question to answer. I've learned not to rush the decision, so when I think a painting is finished, I usually give it a few weeks before making it official. That time allows me to come back with fresh eyes and make sure it still feels right. I wish I had a more concrete answer, but in the end it's really intuition. A piece is finished when it feels complete and there's nothing left that I want to change.
In terms of your art, where is the most inspirational place you’ve ever been?
I've been fortunate to spend a lot of time section hiking the Appalachian Trail and visiting National Parks, which has taken me to some truly incredible places. Those experiences have had a huge influence on my work, but honestly, the place that inspires me most is still Tennessee. I love living in Chattanooga and exploring the mountains, rivers, forests, and trails that surround the city. There's something special about having a deep connection to a landscape and returning to it again and again. The places closest to home continue to provide endless inspiration for my paintings.
