Description:

Barry Unitas Barnes
American, (20th/21st Century)
studio art planter, 2011
glazed stoneware
Stamped mark and date at base.

Biography from BarryUnitasBarnes.com: Barry Unitas Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Art the University of Indianapolis teaching all levels of Ceramics and Mold Making. He received a BFA in Ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute (1990) and a MFA in Ceramics from Arizona State University (1994.) Barry has been teaching art for over 20 years in various places, including; Vincennes University, Mesa Community College (Mesa, AZ), Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ), Indianapolis Arts Center (Indianapolis, IN) and privately in the studio he founded, Beech Grove Clay Works (Beech Grove, IN). His work can be found in both public and private collections.

Artist Statement:
What I seek most in my work is invention. My studio interests are primarily inspired by gestural abstraction and the investigation of possibility as I strive to create something that I have never seen before.

In working with clay, the energy of acting and reacting to the clay's surface in a spontaneous way creates a sense of chaos that is the basis for my work. Approaching each new form as an empty canvas, I employ stretching, applying, reapplying, impressing, scraping and other spontaneous mark making techniques to the surface to exploit the clay's expressive possibilities. Latex and clay stamps made from carved plaster slabs are also used, with images inspired by nature and anything else I find visually interesting. The decision-making process continues with the application of slip, underglaze and glaze – all used to enhance or conceal textures or images. In addition to these surface techniques, I use various clays and modular forms, which add to the chaotic sensation of the work. My aim is to investigate ways to transform chaos into a unified concept through juxtaposition, texture, line, shape, pattern, color and image. The resulting work is exceedingly tactile and invites viewers to investigate further.

My current body of work explores various construction and surface techniques applied to both functional and sculptural ideas. Each process demands a different approach and state of mind. I enjoy the delicate, intimate interaction of the functional vessel; while larger slab constructed works promote a more aggressive tactic. Each activity influences the other and something as simple as a cup might inspire a new idea for a wall piece or a large-scale modular tower.

  • Dimensions: 17 1/2"H x 15 1/4"W x 7 1/2"D
  • Medium: glazed stoneware

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

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February 19, 2025 5:00 PM EST
Indianapolis, IN, US

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