< back to members' galleries

Tasira Strimban-Barishev

Tasira Strimban-Barishev was born in Moscow, Russia and came to Canada in 1993.  Tasira's artistic education at the Ostankino Art School was supplemented by several years of private classes. After graduating, Tasira pursued a post-secondary degree at the Moscow Architectural Academy, upon completion of which she enjoyed a brief career as an architect. However,  Tasira’s passion for nature and art led her into the botanical illustration field where she could pursue both interests as well as exercise her talents for precision drawing and painting. From her architectural experience she developed an acute sensitivity for line and color that she was able to translate into her work as an illustrator.

Tasira began work on a project alongside scientists at the Timiriasev Academy of Agriculture, often working directly from microscope to study fine details. The first publication of her work appeared in a volume titled Cereal Crops of the USSR and several others soon followed, including Fruits and Vegetables Growing in the USSR, as well as illustrations in the Agricultural Dictionary for the Soviet Encyclopedia. Tasira’s scientifically accurate illustrations continued to appear in books on botany, entomology, zoology and in other academic publications.

In Canada, Tasira pursued a career in fine art. She exhibited her drawings and paintings in many shows and galleries, including the Hummingbird Center for Performing Art and the McMichael Gallery. Currently, Tasira teaches visual art to enthusiasts of all ages at the Barishev Art School (www.barishevartschool.com)  which she opened in 2001. Alongside the General Art Program, Tasira also teaches botanical watercolor classes. Over the years Tasira has conducted several workshops and master classes, developing an artistic approach to botanical illustration among her students.

Tasira Strimban-Barishev tbar[at]rogers.com

< back to members' galleries