My Wing Sailing

My Wing Sailing

Early in the morning on a chilly May day, a painter, a sculptor and a poet set out to create an artwork. They scanned the beach for inspiration. It was a moody, grey place that filled it's visitors with a quiet, melancholy peace. Each of these artists differed in their medium of expertise and had something unique to offer. They also had something that they shared. It was the way in which all three had learned to explore and share and feel and try to understand through symbols, and more importantly, their desire and passion to do so.

On rain soaked Cannon Beach they found the skeletal remains of a bird. That is where it began. This object had many symbolic associations. A bird is often a symbol of connecting with a higher spirit. Seagulls in particular were believed to carry the souls of dead sailors and were considered an unlucky omen. So if this bird has long since passed, is that omen reversed?

In the process of creating this work the wings were separated, one being sailed into the ocean and one to remain. Was it a plea? Was it about a journey? Was it two parts of a whole? Did it represent the quest for immortality or triumph over death?

We invite you to watch our video and participate in this journey.

My Wing Sailing

The process of creating this artwork was unforgettable. Sometimes when working together, one can make personal discoveries. Thank you Kate Horowitz and Laura Mayer for being people with so much to offer, and so good at sharing it too.

I neglected to include in the credits that Stella, who took time out from her morning stroll on the beach to participate and contribute. Thank you Stella.

The show

If someone asked me what my dream art show would be I’d probably say…
I’d get to go somewhere really nice, maybe by the ocean. I’d have a friend travel with me to share it. I’d like her to be someone I really enjoy spending time with and maybe even make a movie about collaboration in a restaurant or something. It would be great to be greeted on the street by a local fan directly after arriving in town, remembered. I’d go visit my favorite shops and galleries in that area and be welcomed back into that town by excited, lovely people. I’d spend time with other artists and gallery staff that make me laugh until I cry as well as stimulate my mind with conversation.
I’d be so touch by the stories of collectors of my work that I would have to try really hard not to tear up at the generosity of others. A few friends might travel into town whom I haven’t seen for quite some time and buy me lunch. Maybe I’d get to meet some new interesting people who love art. I think I’d like to get up really early in the morning and make an artwork on the beach with a poet and a sculptor and send it out into the ocean. I’d really like to have lots of people show up to the unveiling of my paintings and laugh at all my jokes and tell me how much they really liked the work. Wouldn’t it be great too if I sold all of the paintings to people who really loved them in a matter of minutes so my head would spin and make me dizzy? Maybe even more that one person might want some of the paintings so there would be a drawing for who got to buy it. That’s just crazy.
I’d like to sign lots of prints and give drawings away. I’d like it if I got some gifts too…why not? Maybe like a really beautiful black coat and some expensive shoes and super cool bag that I’d been eyeing and maybe even a Cannon Beach sweatshirt. I’d be touched if a friend bought me a copy of his favorite book and another friend gave me a pot she threw and painted.
I wouldn’t have to worry about my kittens because I would feel very confident that my partner was taking care of all there was so I could be where I am.
I’d love to go out to eat Ecola Seafood with someone who makes me feel really good and then Mexican food with some people that I’m very fond of giggling with. I’d like to leave feeling really grateful for beautiful people who have given me so much that I’m overflowing with gratitude for life and art. It would be wonderful to get excited about making more artwork. I’d also like to leave with plans to come back and do it again next year.
Maybe it’s just a dream…in verse and rhyme?!

A synopsis of the show, She Dreamed in Verse and Rhyme

Pondering Persephone was the painting I'd struggled over the most. It's a little different than the others in the way it had layer upon layer of glaze. The glazing gives it a rich surface. I like Persephone's pomegranate ring and her pondering gesture. It was worth the struggle.

Coming soon, Survivor Art Girls, Episode 2, Cannon Beach.

This episode has a different flavor than the first one. It's really beautiful. Sculptor Laura Mayer, writer Kate Horowitz and painter Cassandra Barney- a good combo.

It's funny because when I'm with my sister Emily, I really want want to entertain her and make her laugh. I was much more serious with Kate and Lala. Well, kind of serious...ish.

Laura is another amazing person. She's living the dream with her Art Garden in Ephrada Washington. She teaches and creates artwork in her own little shop. I'm proud of my friend.

I talked about the artwork then I was signing and then...

I looked over at a blank wall. It was pretty amazing that it all happened so fast. I was sorry that some people didn't get to see the paintings that were taken away quickly. I was also sad that there were several people who didn't get to buy the paintings that they wanted. I'd say I'll paint more for next year but...right! I'll see.

At Collectors Gallery in Cannon Beach, I occationally do a little embellishing on the prints. I don't mind because I'm usually there a little longer than at most gallery shows.

It's a nice way to spend a little more time visiting with the collectors.

Together They Could Do So Much

Show Information:
She Dreamed in Verse and Rhyme

May 2...I should be in the gallery most of the day.

There will be an unveiling for Rod Fredrick at 6:00 p.m. that night then a big Luau.

Rod is really funny so it should be quite a party.
Saturday, May 3, I will unveil my paintings and talk about them at 2:00 p.m.
I'm going to give away my drawing Thistle at the show...I just decided.

They usually do a drawing for a print as well.

Then, of course, there will be an other party in the gallery with lots of dessert.

Collectors Gallery
224 N HemlockSuite 1
Cannon Beach, OR
800-289-1819

It's nearly show time. All of the paintings have been titled, framed, photographed and shipped...except one. It remains to be seen if it will be dry in time. I also want to put together one more movie about the collaboration and maybe another about the opening. I'm really excited because Kate Horowitz and her writings will be at the show. So come and meet her as well.
Cheers and I'm excited!
Cassandra

Episode:1

This is very exciting. Last fall, my publisher Scott Usher of the Greenwich Workshop was talking to me in my studio and he said something like, "you really should do some video from your studio and share what you're working on." Those weren't his exact words but something like that. I like to learn and try new things so I've been playing around Movie Maker. It's obvious I'm a beginner because I like to use lots of special effects.

I'll talk more about the content of paintings as I go. These videos are also available on youtube.

I'm going to try to post weekly as I create this body of work for my show at Ernst Collectors Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I'll be there the first week in May.

Enjoy and feel free to comment.