about barbara
My work is conceptual and mostly three dimensional in structure reflecting my background in theatre. I have mainly focused on themes of personal identity, memory, space and loss and usually begin with an emotional response to something seen or read, an object, quote or written article that resonates with me in some way.
For instance my installation for the “Narrative Thread” exhibition was inspired by a vintage metal cot outside a junk shop. It appeared lost and abandoned and I felt compelled to rescue it. This became the focus of my work in which I examined how we seek to protect our children in a framework of security and love, with varying degrees of success. More recently I have been focussing on the fluctuating emotions caused by grief and making a way forward in this new normal.
The techniques I employ depend upon the requirements of the concept and may include stitch, fabric manipulation, printing and text, while the materials range from vintage linens and cottons to plastics, wire and plaster, each specifically chosen to express the concept. The stitching is often quite physical, emotional and repetitive and sometimes therapeutic.
For instance my installation for the “Narrative Thread” exhibition was inspired by a vintage metal cot outside a junk shop. It appeared lost and abandoned and I felt compelled to rescue it. This became the focus of my work in which I examined how we seek to protect our children in a framework of security and love, with varying degrees of success. More recently I have been focussing on the fluctuating emotions caused by grief and making a way forward in this new normal.
The techniques I employ depend upon the requirements of the concept and may include stitch, fabric manipulation, printing and text, while the materials range from vintage linens and cottons to plastics, wire and plaster, each specifically chosen to express the concept. The stitching is often quite physical, emotional and repetitive and sometimes therapeutic.
EDGE
Barbara takes her inspiration for this latest piece of work from her current situation. It is a response to facing a life alone, through grief. The world now seems to be populated with endless couples and groups, all of which are difficult to break into – feeling like half the person she once was, where and how does she now fit in?
The box represents the restriction by the situation and the enormous strength required to keep things together in finding a new way forward. The compartments represent the continuous roller coaster of challenges – the edges hard, unforgiving and difficult to navigate with always another dark empty space waiting close by.
A feeling of loneliness is emphasised by its placing in isolation on the wall
The box represents the restriction by the situation and the enormous strength required to keep things together in finding a new way forward. The compartments represent the continuous roller coaster of challenges – the edges hard, unforgiving and difficult to navigate with always another dark empty space waiting close by.
A feeling of loneliness is emphasised by its placing in isolation on the wall