 Why Bull Kelp? Bull kelp is a fast growing annual which provides nutrients and habitat for a multitude of species; growing up to 2 feet a day and as tall as 80 feet. The blades (leaves) follow the movements of the ocean and originate from the ball-like bladder which rises towards the surface of the ocean. The holdfast (roots) is a gnarled mass and anchors it to the ocean floor. I love the freedom I have to interpret my subjects in copper in various ways creating new forms and effects. For this piece, I found great joy in crushing the metal and pulling it through my etching press multiple times. I manipulate the folds between each pass until the resulting abstract relief patterns hold my interest. The copper is pulled though the press again; this time with the master linocut design of the Bull Kelp followed by additional hand-tooling and hammering to define and add texture. Each member of the series is unique; this is #15 and I still have so many more ideas to explore in this series. |
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Newly hatched Leatherback turtles struggle to enter the world, despite the forces against them. Seems appropriate to make this piece from my own collection available. I've not participated in any in-person shows since the start of Covid and now I am taking a leap of faith as I plan next years exhibition schedule. I feel ready to return, probably only shows no more than a couple hours drive from the studio. In the meantime if you are interested in an available piece or a commission please contact me at esther@estherbarr.com 
This photo is of my booth at Kings Mountain Art Fair a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I expect all art festivals to be cancelled this year. . . I really love participating at art festivals. I like being the one to shepherd my works into their new homes. I suppose we can still have a close relationship as artist /collector. I will have to embrace "social media" more than I have. I will blog more. I will send occasional updates if you are on my email list. I will continue to experiment with new techniques and share the progress of any new artworks. I will try to create art despite the pandemic. I will make the best of the new normal. If you feel up to it please send me an email and let me know how you are doing. Also, if you have one of my pieces hanging on your wall please share a photo with me!  I am returning to one of my favorite inspirations . . . Birds. In college I studied illustration and experimental film and after graduation worked as an animator in the film industry. It was a great career but to be honest what I really dreamed about was to be the one in the field (blind or boat) with a movie camera/sketch pad waiting . . . My sea creatures along with my birds share the ability to defy gravity. I would love to be able to move through 3 dimensions as they do. . . but I will have to be satisfied with just being an observer. 
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AuthorI was an animator for 20 years. I now distill the essence of movement into a single frame in copper. Archives
February 2022
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