Dara Kay Barker was born in New Jersey and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Cardozo School of Law. After practicing law for many years, Dara returned to school to take classes in interior design and architecture, a hidden passion. She currently paints on paper, media board, canvas and wood using cold wax and oil. Dara’s love of vintage and antique textiles is apparent in her work. Inspired by the philosophy of "wabi sabi," she uses many layers of material to create visual textures and patinas. Her formal training includes workshops with Robyn Cole and Jerry McLaughlin. Her work can be purchased at The Well in Santa Barbara, a curated interior design store, and at the TAG Gallery in Los Angeles. Dara is an interior designer, an adjust professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, and a mom of two.

I am a native Californian artist based in Palm Springs California. I have been creating my whole life through painting, sculpting, poetry, glass art and any medium I can get my hands on I am influenced by nature here on earth and the cosmos. Textile design, fashion, street art, calligraphic forms, ancient art, Japanese anime and music are all influences. Relationships between shapes, the inter connections, pathway-like labyrinths create a mysterious language.

I am creating beautiful often complex imaginary abstract environments in my paintings into which the viewer is invited. I strive to create beautiful images that are uplifting, fun and reflective.