Growing North Shore Art Studio uses Coastal New England Flare

By day, Swampscott resident Michele Cobban Barden works full-time as an environmental scientists. In her free time, however, she channels her creativity into her own personal venture: Odd Cod Studio.

Founded in 2019, Odd Cod Studio is a North Shore-based coastal arts studio specializing in 100% homemade and hand-painted pieces. What began as a hand-painted sign operation, Barden has since expanded Odd Cod Studio into a diverse repertoire of engraved goods and intricate rope-work.

During the warmer months, Barden and her husband Gary can often be found at local farmers markets and arts festivals across the North Shore, or working out of their studio space in Ipswich.

“I’ve always been pretty creative,” said Barden. “I might be the only person whose mother encouraged them to focus on art. I thought she was crazy.”

Gary and Michelle Barden founded Odd Cod Studio in 2019 || Courtesy Photo

The name “Odd Cod,” Barden explained, is a nod to New England’s maritime heritage and a reflection of the uniqueness of products the studio makes.

Among the studio’s offerings are hand-painted wooden signs, coastal-inspired housewares and rope-crafted items such as bowls, doormats and wreaths. Barden recently joined the International Guild of Knot Tyers, and she noted that the work with rope is often meditative.

“It’s quite fun and calming,” Barden said.

Much of Odd Cod’s work draws from Swampscott and the surrounding area.

“I think people take a lot of pride in where they are from,” Barden said.

Custom pieces have become a particular favorite among customers. Barden said she enjoys meeting new people through the business and hearing the inspirations behind the custom-made paintings and designs.

An Odd Cod Studio rope-work wreath || Courtesy Photo

“I really enjoy meeting the people who like our crafts,” said Barden. “That’s the fun part.”

After working during the week, Barden and Gary spend most of their weekend making product, traveling back and forth between their Swampscott home and Ipswich studio space and participating in events.

“There are times where it’s challenging,” Barden said. “Days can be somewhat long.”

Still, she remains optimistic about Odd Cod Studio and its future. Barden hopes to continue expanding the business’ reach and eventually offer local art classes, sharing her skills and passion with other members the community.

Odd Cod Studio’s wooden signs, housewares, rope-work and custom pieces are available at oddcodstudio.com.