From India to Art: A Journey of Transformation and Creativity — Barbara Siebel Thomas

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

Meet Barbara Siebel Thomas, a cherished member of our American Embassy School (AES) community whose journey spans continents and decades. Originally from a serene farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Barbara and her family arrived in Calcutta in 1963. They were drawn by a career opportunity for her stepfather, Andy Andrade, an architect and city planner teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. He was hired by The Ford Foundation to be part of a team that worked with the Indian government to contribute to the city’s modernization programs for Calcutta and other parts of India.

Barbara recalls, that at the young age of 10, after one year in Calcutta studying at Loreto House, it was decided that she and her sister Heddi, would move to Delhi to attend AIS. She was 11 years old, going into 6th grade, and Heddi was in 9th grade. Heddi lived in the boarding unit, and Barbara lived with a host family. At just 11 years old, she faced the difficulties of a new family, a new school, and a new city. “It was a challenge” recalls Barbara. ”In 1966 my stepfather was asked to move to New Delhi to continue his work. My younger sister Margaret then joined us and enrolled in AIS in 4th Grade. I remember fondly all of us living together in Sunder Nagar.”

Barbara happily remembers her time at AIS. She loved the lasting impact of her art teacher, Mrs. Rahman, who nurtured her talent and introduced her to Indian crafts. “The art room was a sanctuary for me,” she shares. “It was there that my passion for creativity truly blossomed.” Though Barbara experienced the loneliness of being away from her family during several formative years, she found solace and friendship in a vibrant community of peers at AIS, including lifelong friends like John Blee and Dan Rizzie. They developed a bond forged through shared experiences and a love for the arts. “Even though I was a bit of a loner, and very insecure, I did have a big group of friends, who sometimes changed with age and time. Liz Blee, Katha Rexford, Curtis Minehart, Steve Worrall, Pat Bain, Shelley Miller, Pat Ross, Marsha Bushnell, and Andy Campbell, among others.” They developed a bond forged through shared experiences reminding us that school connections can last a lifetime. 

“Some friends were on the swim team with me. I joined it because it was the only sport I could sort of do. I was probably the slowest swimmer on the team. But the discipline of it was inspiring. We met mornings at 5:30 or 6 am, and swam, then went to school, with wet hair of course. To this day I still swim, and have kept it up the best I can. I am now 71 and recently participated in a two-mile community swim.” At AIS her swim coach was also the typing teacher, Mrs. Malone. Typing was by far the very most important class Barbara took at AIS. In addition to being an artist, she does a tremendous amount of writing in many different disciplines. ”I have written curricula for major art programs at schools and museums, as well as for my own art and memoir writing, and my typing skill is a lifesaver.”

After the school year ended in 1968, she went on home leave to see her father and decided to stay in the US and continue school there. Her mother, stepfather, sister Margaret, and older sister Katherine continued living in India for nearly another decade. Barbara lived in Rye, New York, and attended 10th grade at Rye Country Day School. She notes, “I have to admit that when I returned to the US I attended a high-level private high school in a very privileged area, and I was really behind in a lot of core school basics.” Despite missing a lot of foundation and concepts, at AIS she learned the value of hard work through her art, and the friendships she formed have been a source of strength. Living in India was a fantastic learning experience.

“I read a lot of books, all the time, and I strove hard to be excellent at my art pursuits. In 9th grade, I worked on the 1968 yearbook illustrating the titles for all the categories and was very proud of that. I think it was the most memorable yearbook; the silk padded cover with beautiful Indian silk, I will never forget it. Mine was thrown out in some family move, and I just have it in my mind now. In 9th grade, I also wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “Fred the Friendly Dragon”. All the teachers in the lower grades read it to their classes. I’ve unfortunately lost the book, but I still have a large packet of thank-you letters the children wrote me, complete with their own drawings of Fred.”

Barbara continued to pursue her passion for art, attending art school in the US and embarking on a successful career as an illustrator and designer. Today, she lives in a picturesque town on Long Island, where she paints landscapes and teaches art, inspiring others with her creativity and dedication. Barbara’s art not only mirrors her East Coast environment but also embodies the rich cultural tapestry of her youth in India.

Today, Barbara’s life is a testament to her passions. She swims, gardens, and practices yoga—activities that nourish her spirit and keep her connected to the earth. As she navigates the vibrant landscape of Long Island, her work continues to inspire others, reminding us all of the transformative power of art and the importance of staying connected to our roots. As she pens her memoir, My India, she continues to explore the themes of identity and belonging that have been pivotal throughout her life. “India will always hold a special place in my heart,” she reflects, noting her ongoing connection to the country and its culture, and our AIS-AES family!

You can reach out to Barbara and learn more about her art by visiting https://www.barbarathomasart.com/contact