Mary is a self-taught cloisonne artist working in the medium of vitreous enamelling for 20 years. Originally she trained and worked in silver and bronze, but was attracted to the colour, techniques and possibilities of enamelling for many years before actually beginning to work in this medium. The importance of enamel as a medium in early religious artworks and the scarcity of its use as a medium for modern artistic representation interested her.
The process of cloisonne enamelling which involves the laying down of fine copper wires on a copper plate and the filling of the ‘cloisons’ or spaces between the wires with fine powdered glass, is an ancient one. The technique involves multiple firings in a kiln as each new lay is added. The build up of layers of opaque and translucent glass produce an almost three-dimensional effect. The sometimes bowed appearance of the finished plate is the result of tensions released during the firing process and gives the plates their individual finish.
Mary has exhibited widely over the intervening years in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Her work is held in many collections.
Statement :
‘These four works, taking Renaissance angels as their subject, represent my interest in Renaissance and Baroque art, most especially in the religious art of this period.’
To enquire about more artwork from Mary Barker please click here.
Situated in Napier, Hawkes Bay, Statements Gallery is one of New Zealand's leading
private art galleries. The gallery showcases exhibitions of contemporary
paintings, sculpture and applied art from New Zealand artists.
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