The Art of Healing: A Conversation with Bari-Lynn Friedlander

Picture yourself in the middle of adversity, fighting invisible demons from within. When things seem bleakest, it might be difficult for many of us to perceive a way forward. However, what if the remedy you need is already within you, just waiting to be released? It was a paintbrush for Bari-Lynn Friedlander.

An abstract artist located in Miami; Bari-Lynn has made something tremendous out of her hardships. Reflection, triumph over adversity, and, most importantly, the power of art are themes that run throughout her body of work. Get up and pay attention if you haven’t met her already. She’s making more than just art; she’s making a place where people can come together to talk, love, and heal.

A Journey from the Runways to the Canvas

You might be wondering how someone who was once working for luxury brands in New York City ended up with a paintbrush in her hand in sunny Miami. Well, like many of us, Bari-Lynn had to find her true calling—and in doing so, she also found herself. Her journey didn’t start in the studio but rather in the bustling world of design and fashion. She worked for some of the biggest names in retail and luxury, contributing to designs that shaped the way people viewed beauty and style. But all that glitz and glamour didn’t fulfill her the way she thought it would.

After years in the fast-paced fashion world, Bari-Lynn realized that her true happiness came from something different—painting. In 2019, she made the bold decision to step away from the corporate world and return to her first love: the canvas. The moment she picked up that brush, something inside her clicked. The brush strokes became a way for her to channel the chaos of the world into something calming, something meaningful. Painting wasn’t just about colors and lines—it became her escape. The art wasn’t just something she was creating for the world, it was for her mental health, too.

“Art saved my life,” she says with a deep, heartfelt sincerity. “And I believe that my purpose is to share this light and love with others.”

The Abstract Cubism Series: Vibrance Meets Vulnerability

If you’ve seen her work, you know that Bari-Lynn’s art isn’t your typical piece you hang up just because it looks nice on the wall. Her creations are vibrant, full of energy, and almost pulsating with emotion. The Abstract Cubism Series, one of her most well-known collections, is a perfect example of this. It’s not just a collection of colorful shapes. Each piece is a personal reflection of Bari-Lynn’s internal battles with anxiety, depression, and obsession.

She uses the jagged lines and geometric shapes in the Cubism series to symbolize the way these emotions twist and turn inside her mind. But it’s not just about darkness. The bold, bright colors in her paintings are a reflection of hope, of resilience, and of the beauty that comes with healing.

It’s incredible how Bari-Lynn uses abstract art to communicate what words can’t. The blending of colors, the interlocking shapes, the way one form blends into another—these elements aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they’re a visual representation of what she has gone through and how she has found ways to push through it. The contrasting forms in her work tell a story: of struggle, yes, but also of unity and self-love.

Bari-Lynn hopes that her work highlights the connections between people, even in the midst of their struggles. She believes that art has the power to bring us closer, helping us recognize that we are all in this together.

Mental Health Advocacy: A Powerful Message Through Art

One of the most admirable things about Bari-Lynn is how she uses her art to spark conversations around mental health. As someone who has personally battled with anxiety and depression, Bari-Lynn knows how isolating these experiences can feel. But she also knows that art can serve as a bridge to understanding, offering a way for people to connect with their emotions and with each other. That’s why she uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

Bari-Lynn’s story resonates deeply with people who might be struggling in silence. Art is often seen as a luxury, something that’s just nice to have in a home or office. But Bari-Lynn has transformed art into something more powerful: a tool for healing, understanding, and change. Through her abstract forms, her use of vibrant hues, and the emotional depth of her work, she’s telling people: Through her art, Bari-Lynn aims to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles. She believes that, no matter how difficult things may seem, it’s possible to rise above and find healing together.

Bari-Lynn reflects on her journey, sharing how her art has been a constant source of peace and guidance through difficult times. She hopes that others who experience her work will find the same sense of relief and comfort that it has brought her.

Her mission is clear: to make mental health a topic that is not just discussed but understood. For Bari-Lynn, it’s more than just creating beautiful pieces of art—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe to open up about their struggles, whether through the colors on a canvas or a conversation sparked by a piece hanging in a home or gallery.

A Glimpse Into Bari-Lynn’s Exhibitions and Future Plans

It’s no surprise that Bari-Lynn’s work has been featured in some pretty incredible places. She’s showcased her pieces at high-profile events like Art Basel, where her vibrant and thought-provoking pieces have caught the attention of collectors, art lovers, and mental health advocates alike. Some of her exhibitions include major hotels and galleries in Miami, such as the Fontainebleu Hotel, Faena Hotel, and the Ritz Carlton South Beach, as well as events like the Hamptons Fine Art Fair and the Red Dot Art Fair during Miami Art Week.

Her ability to bring so much emotion and depth into her art has made her a rising star in the art world. Bari-Lynn’s recognition isn’t just due to the beauty of her work but also the meaning behind it. Her pieces aren’t just decorations—they’re statements. They’re invitations to think, reflect, and connect.

Looking forward, Bari-Lynn has a packed calendar ahead, with upcoming events at places like Soho Beach House, the Sagamore Hotel, and various collaborative events where she’ll be using art as a tool to further mental health awareness. Her impact continues to grow, not just as an artist, but as an advocate for change.

Healing Through Art: The Bigger Picture

What stands out about Bari-Lynn’s work is how she’s able to weave together the deeply personal with the universally relatable. While her art reflects her journey with mental health, it also serves as a mirror for anyone who has ever faced their own battles. It’s a reminder that healing is possible and that the tools we use don’t always have to be traditional. Sometimes, it’s about picking up a paintbrush, throwing some colors on a canvas, and letting it all out.

Bari-Lynn’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. She didn’t just leave behind a high-powered career in fashion—she embraced her true self and found a way to use her talents for something much greater than herself. Art became her escape, and now it’s her way of bringing light into the world.

Bari-Lynn hopes her work serves as a reminder that it’s okay to not feel okay. She believes that using art, or any other outlet, to navigate through difficult times is not only acceptable but also a powerful way to heal.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, Bari-Lynn’s art offers a sense of peace. It’s more than just a colorful design on a wall—it’s a conversation, an invitation to connect with your emotions, and a beacon of hope for those who might feel lost. Through her work, Bari-Lynn has found a way to make the world a little bit brighter, one brushstroke at a time.