Having worked as both a painter and a poet, Connie Barber has received recognition in the field of visual arts as well as literature. Barber's work was first published in 1980 and has since appeared in literary publications not only in Australia but also the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the USA.
From 1939-1942 she studied art at the Melbourne Technical College, then served in the A.W.A.S (1942-1946). Barber graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1951 (BA Hons) and has since led a varied working life. She has spent time as Publicity Officer at the Melbourne Zoo, worked in the Civil Service in Melbourne and London, taught in secondary schools in Melbourne (1971-1981) before teaching creative writing courses at the CAE (Melbourne) and at Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House.
Barber spent two substantial periods of residence in the UK (1928-1936 and 1953-1965).