Vera Barnett
The Painted Word: Wander
2015

About the Item

Inspired by the J. R. R. Tolkien quote "Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost" from the poem "All That is Gold Does Not Glitter" from "The Lord of the Rings." The poem reads: "All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king." In her series titled "The Painted Word," Vera Barnett has turned to the written word for inspiration, building a body of work from her examination of common sayings, quotes, and poems. Barnett develops imagery with poignant meanings derived from each phrase, and assembles her compositions as maquettes in her studio from which to paint. Once the scene is created – using sewn plastic and cloth, cardboard, tape, fabrics, and found objects – Barnett paints her tableaus in a trompe l’oeil manner so real as to confound the viewer. The figures’ and animals' fabricated plasticity is rendered so convincingly, yet their presence is fully authentic. The juxtaposition of plasticity and reality suggests duality of meaning; Barnett’s interpretations of the written word are uniquely her own. Barnett explains, “I am drawn to art that explores the emotional relationships between people, their environment and circumstances that they find themselves in. I wish to reconstruct these ideas through my own vision, my life and experiences.” Barnett studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. This painting is included her second solo exhibition at Valley House Gallery, “Vera Barnett: The Painted Word,” in 2015.

Creator:
Vera Barnett (1957, American)
Creation Year:
2015
Dimensions:
Height: 50 in (127 cm)Width: 56 in (142.24 cm)
Medium:
Linen,Oil
Movement & Style:
Contemporary
Period:
21st Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Dallas, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: 184751stDibs: LU257416372
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