Featured Artist Louise Barker | Artsy Shark

Working with fiber, eco printing and mixed media, Louise Barker embraces the freedom of exploration and the beauty of organic materials. Visit her website to see more.

My friend, Nora, says that I am fearless. While that is not how I would describe myself, I do admit that I love a challenge, and that challenge for me is art.

As a young child, I was surrounded by aunts who always were creating with their hands, not realizing that they were artists. Growing up on a farm taught me to be resourceful, something that my father was very proud of being. These two influences have guided me throughout my life. Using what was at hand and being inspired by my surroundings have always been important to me.

I will freely admit that I am terrible at following directions. I would much rather let my intuition, experience and emotion go down an unknown path to see what is around the next corner. What if? Why not? These two questions are forever in the back of my mind as a reason for trying new things.

I’ve always loved fabric and learned to sew at a very young age. Playing with rickrack and seam binding packages, colorful threads and bits of fabric were at the top of my go-to list. College was full of design, art history and graphic arts. It wasn’t until I made the move to Montana in the mid 70’s that I took my first dyeing class in batik. I was hooked.

That led to many other dyeing techniques that have made my art evolve. Sometimes I layer these processes, which provides a depth that cannot be attained any other way. I see that especially in my mixed media pieces which combine not only my knowledge of fiber, but make use of my metalsmithing experience as a jeweler.

My recent endeavors in fiber art have been mostly playing with eco printing and incorporating other dyeing techniques with it. Using leaves, metal and dye, I produce scarves, recycled vintage blanket tote bags and mixed media works.

My background in metalsmithing also finds its way into some of these projects. Working with metal and gemstones to create unique jewelry is also a passion of mine. I am never bored, and am lucky to have lots of avenues for my creativity.

Beneath it all is my love for the organic. I am inspired by texture! My goal is always to present my art in a way that is sophisticated, balanced and unique. I am honored when it resonates with others, and that we share the same perspective. It’s hard to imagine a life without creativity. In one way or another, it is for me a lifeline. What if? Why not?

Louise Barker invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.

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