Bronwen Barnes-Archer

Bio

Space is all around us all the time, but rarely do we become aware of its presence. Through my background in dance, and the deep connection we share with clay, my work provokes an awareness of presence, of how one’s body exists in space.

The movement and actions used to create the sculptures is seemingly mundane and very repetitive, however, as Merce Cunningham says: “Dancing is a visible action of life”. The mundane, when taken out of context, can be transformed into a beautifully intriguing piece of performative movement. Dance is both an internal and external experience and I play with the idea of inner and outer spaces by exposing the sculptures interior spaces and blurring the boundary between where the space starts and ends.

Though the sculptures are still, they are created from intense periods of movement which becomes embodied in their material, giving them a sense of energy and life. This significant involvement of the body in their creation mirrors that of dance. My body would bend and contort around the sculptures to access every part of them, while the repetitive process of rolling and sculpting the coils was like a choreography of sorts. Furthermore, the coiling technique requires the hands to touch every part of the sculptures, deepening the connection to the body. The somewhat chance placement of the coils informs the undulations and flow of the clay. This freedom of process results in organic looking forms that are reminiscent of rocks, fungi, trees and other natural bodies. The space I have created for them feels like an underground world where these still, calming forms live, breathe and grow. For a short time, the viewer may enter the space to explore and exist with them. 

For information about how to purchase any artworks please contact the artist:

Email: bronbarnes19@gmail.com

Instagram: @bronwenbarnesart

Phone: 07582200248

Instagra