A studio visit with Lori Barker
Lori Barker, approaching her 80th year, remains a living embodiment of the artist's spirit, continuing her daily visits to the studio with unwavering passion. Her commitment to her craft speaks not only to her dedication but to an enduring love for creation that transcends time.
Her home studio, a haven nestled in seclusion, is a space where creativity flows freely. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, it is here that the whispers of the earth and the spirits of the forest inspire her evolving work. This intimate environment nurtures her artistic exploration, allowing her to experiment and push beyond familiar techniques.
When I arrive at her property, fresh-picked apples sit in a basket alongside Lori as she works on her front deck under a bright red umbrella. Her eyes sparkle with warmth, and her smile is as welcoming as ever. As we walk toward the labyrinth, Lori pauses to pick up a small treasure—a fallen leaf or a twisted branch—that she envisions weaving into a future piece of art. She walks with a quiet attentiveness, always open to the gifts nature provides.
Recently, Barker has embraced a new chapter in her artistic journey, venturing into uncharted territory with fresh materials and methods. This bold experimentation has infused her pieces with an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality. In her latest exhibition, R O O T E D, we see this transformation come to life in delicate, translucent forms that hover between fragility and expansiveness. Her studio, a place of deep reflection, mirrors the dynamic relationship between her art and the natural world that surrounds it. Here, Barker is in constant conversation with the trees and spirits that shape her creative process, drawing strength and inspiration from the silent wisdom they offer.
During a recent visit, Barker shared the significance of her walking meditation, a daily ritual that invites "spirit" into her work. As she moves through the labyrinth and later transitions into her studio, she enters a flow state where she feels most connected to the spiritual forces that guide her art. This flow state, a merging of mind, body, and spirit, is where her deepest creative energy comes to life. Each brushstroke or sculpted form becomes an extension of this meditative dialogue, a reflection of her communion with nature and the unseen.
A key element of Barker’s practice is the labyrinth she has crafted near her studio—a physical manifestation of her journey. Walking its path daily, she engages in a profound communion with nature, listening to the voices of the trees and the spirits that dwell within. These moments of introspection are imbued into her work, resulting in art that invites the viewer into her quiet world of reflection and connection.
When my visit draws to a close, it is golden hour, and the light on the leaves of a giant Ginkgo invites us both to stand beneath its towering canopy of changing colors. This final moment feels like a shared blessing, a quiet closing to the creative day. Much like the labyrinth, her art is a journey of discovery, leading us to explore unseen threads that tie together the self, nature, and the cosmos.