Barbara Dodge is an artist and poet who performed onstage with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott for many years, co-producing an album with him in Germany called “Kerouac’s Last Dream.” She is also a well known jewelry designer creating one-of-a-kind, original pieces for famous celebrities. Her paintings have been shown in galleries around Los Angeles.
She is a direct descendent of William Dodge who arrived in Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1627. Her maternal grandfather was the illustrious Right Honourable Clarence Decatur Howe, who was instrumental during the Second World War as Minister of Munitions and Supply, directing the Canadian war effort. He created more than 35 crown corporations, and contributed greatly to the Canadian economy in the post war years as Minister of Reconstruction and then Trade and Commerce.
She is also related through her father, James Dane Dodge, to Edwin Dodge, first cousin and second husband of Mabel Dodge, infamous belle of the Taos, New Mexico community of artists and writers, among them D.H. Lawrence and Georgia O’Keefe.
Barbara has been a denizen of New York City, Los Angeles, London England, Montreal and Toronto. She has travelled the world extensively, touring with Jack Elliott, performing in venues from Ireland to the wildest backwoods Texas joints. She has been associated with everyone from Townes Van Zandt to Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
Barbara has been written about in three biographies of Leonard Cohen by Michael Posner. She was published in a book of poems written for Leonard called “Take This Waltz.” Her faculty advisor at Goddard College, was David Dellinger of the Chicago Seven. She has also accomplished many achievements in her position as an advocate for the homeless in Toronto. She is passionate about the myriad social issues plaguing our culture and is committed to making a difference. She currently resides in Toronto, Canada.