Page 24 - Final 10th Anniversary PDF For Printer

Our 10th Anniversary Women of Distinction

The Talent Behind

Laurenn Barker

By Deeba Van Overberghe

er face was exciting sculpture in Italy, Quebec, as if it were grounded but
Hand happy. His was and Colorado and has been in motion. How does one
experienced yet also happy. invited to study under some capture a moment frozen
The little boy on his bicy- of the greatest artists in her in time and then translate
cle was infatuating, even industry such as Victor Issa, it through their eyes, then
though he was from a dif- John Coleman, Jill Burkee, their mind and then heart
ferent era. When one looks and the renowned Richard and finally into the clay?
upon the work of Laurenn McDonald. And, her work Laurenn could tell you it
Barker, they are struck by has been archived in the Na- involves extensive research
the accuracy of her render- tional Museum of Women and that this helps her iden-
ing as well as her ability to in the Arts as well as being tify with her subject and
convey the emotion and listed in the “Who’s Who of allows her to define the fig-
spirit of the individuals she American Women” for her ure. But when I look at her
sculpts. contribution to the arts. Her work, I see an energy that I
Laurenn Barker is an ac- commissions can be found know does not come from
complished, well-educated, around the world. research or perhaps even
international sculptor with The breath of her work from the stories shared by
degrees from two different spans not only private those who commission her
universities: SMU in Texas commissions but also public work of or for their loved
and the Institute for Ameri- commissions. She is well ones. No. It goes beyond
can Universities in Southern known for her portraiture of this. She can tap into the
France. She has studied children. She also enjoys the spirit of the individual and
Reprint from Project challenges associated with transfer that to the clay. Her
Archives
commemorative sculptures style is unique, and I would
of icons, leaders and loved say represents a sense of
ones since passed. With belonging versus the typical
over twenty years of experi- ethereal representation we
ence in sculpting, Laurenn see in so much sculpture
Barker is also an awarded today. Her work is honest
children's book author and and holds respect for the
illustrator with her Lae Lae subject she is representing.
series of books. It's also fun. Each piece I've
I would imagine if you reviewed has held some el-
were to experience a sculp- ement of joy, and I find this
ture by Laurenn, you would commendable.
first and foremost observe The amount of coor-
the sturdy yet energetic dination going into the
representation of her subject installation of a garden

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