"I am constantly inspired by the color and shadows of the southwest landscape, from the towering pink Sandia Mountains and the muddy Rio Grande to the sage and chamisa blowing in the wind. I won the prestigious Niche Award in 2011 and currently teach my polymer techniques at national and international workshops".

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Barb Fajardo considers herself a native New Mexican. Her father, Dick Titzl a mixed media artist felt called out west, so she along with her brothers and sisters left Louisville, Kentucky back in 1965. A few years later, Dick opened the Art Center Inc. in Hoffmantown Shopping Center which operated as an art supply and framing shop for over 30 years.

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She was exposed to art and artists in her time working in the family and taking art classes at The Art Center School which Dick opened in the 70's. After years working in the retail jewelry industry and believing that she wanted to become a gemologist, she finally came upon Polymer Clay in 2000. It has continued to fascinate her for nearly 20 years as she continues to experiment and create innovative techniques and designs.