Barbara McFadyen is a metalsmith and enamelist who has been designing jewelry in gold, silver, and enamel for over four decades. She has become nationally recognized through exhibitions with the American Crafts Council, the Smithsonian Institution, SNAG, and the Enamelist Society. Barbara received her MFA in Metal Design at East Carolina University and a BA in Creative Arts from Eckerd College. A 1981 summer immersion in Japan with Parson’s School of Design and the Tokyo Designer College, resulted in a turning point in her work and career.
Her love for enameling began at Kulicke Starke Academy in NYC and has continued through her studies with notable enamelists such as Bill Helwig, Martha Banyas, Mi-Sook Hur, Jamie Bennett, Mary Chuduck, Charity Hall, and Linda Darty. In an “Enameling for Bookmaking” class at at Penland with Elizabeth Turrell and Eileen Wallace, Barbara was first introduced to the artist book. She continues to explore and be excited by combining her metalwork with the medium of the artist book. Whether to held in the hand or worn as adornment, Barbara is passionate about creating unique intimate objects in silver, gold, and enamel.
Her one of a kind and limited edition work is currently on exhibit at Creative Metalsmiths Gallery in Chapel Hill. Barbara also does custom design work. Please contact her to discuss you custom project.
She finds challenge and inspiration through teaching, and has led workshops at renowned craft schools such as John C. Campbell, Arrowmont, Peter’s Valley, Penland School of Crafts, and Kobe Design University in Kobe, Japan. Barbara is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Penland School of Crafts.
Barbara resides in Chapel Hill with her husband Douglass Phillips, their four children, five grandchildren and favorite dog, Bodhi.
THE ENAMEL ARTS FOUNDATION PROFILE