Sculpture in the Valley 2020
Kay Barker is one of the artists who was due to take part in SitV 2020. Here she has described the piece she created for the exhibition, Treasure Trove. For more info on the artist, see below.
Treasure Trove – Precious Places
The piece ‘Treasure trove – Precious places’ is a series of miniature landscapes enclosed in a wooden case which, when opened, reveals further creations; small cast objects, stripped twigs and prints. The miniature sculptures have been created from items found whilst exploring my surroundings. Collecting fragments such as a twig, a leaf, a piece of stone, a metal object. Embedding these items in sand and leaving some in place I pour plaster into the sand and once removed carve selected areas making deeper crevices. The box stands on legs made from stripped hazel branches. The idea is that when placed in the landscape it is low enough to allow plants and foliage to grow around it so it becomes part of the landscape.
I have always tried to express myself through my environment and surroundings. Taking inspiration from the sea, land and sky taking pleasure in the countryside and the sea. Trying to capture the motion of the sea, the tranquility of the land, the changing seasons and the emotions my surroundings evoked in me. Land and sea is not only beautiful, and calm but vast, complex and dangerous. This relationship between fear and tranquility are emotions I can identify with. Engaging with nature has helped with my wellbeing and to overcome my recent surgery to remove a brain tumour. I admire an appreciate more so now the beauty found in an individual leaf or a spectacular view.
I initially studied a degree in Fine Art at Portsmouth Polytechnic, taking further courses in printmaking at Central St Martins and the London college of Printing. My career path has included working as a tutor in both Britain and France and running my own business specialising in framing for artists, galleries and museums. I have been practising as an artist for over 20 years exhibiting widely throughout Britain and abroad. My work has been purchased by private and public collections including The Creasey Collection of Contemporary Art and I am a prize winner in printmaking.
About The Artist
My artwork allows me to express my reaction to nature and the environment. I also let my work develop and take over from my initial direct response. In all my work I try to communicate a sense of atmosphere.
I am influenced by landscapes, skyscapes and seascapes as well as geological and architectural subjects, especially monumental structures such as cathedrals and historic ruins. I produce works through a variety of media including oil painting, printmaking, sculpture and drawings. I find working with different media enables my ideas to develop in many directions. I enjoy the different process and qualities of each medium as I discover texture, depth and composition.
As well as working in my studio I often work ‘en plein air’. This brings a sense of immediacy to the piece as my response to the constantly changing environment requires a decisive reaction. In my most recent work I am discovering ways to incorporate found objects from nature to produce both two and three dimensional pieces.
Website: www.kaybarkerfineart.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaybarkerfineart/