Lucy Barker

For this work I have revived 5 existing benches around the Bondi - Tamarama walk by adorning them with colourful, vintage polypropylene chair webbing, a la beach chairs and folding aluminium chairs of lesiure. They become a reminder to stop, slow down and ponder how things have changed, and what may have stayed the same.
Installed Nov 3rd - Nov 20, 2011, Bondi.

The last 2 days, Oct 31st and Nov 1st, have been spent arduously installing Sea Change for Sculpture By The Sea 2011.  It was a very long slog.  However, the work, which consists of 5 existing benches woven with colourful vintage chair webbing, looks fantastic and the response has been incredible, so it was all worth it.  I am extremely grateful to all my helpers particularly my mum (child care), dad (engineering and power tools), husband (all rounder) and sister Karina (weaving). They are located near the beginning of the walk at the Bondi end so come down and take a look, it’s going to be a great show this year! (final images still to come)

I’m pleased to say that I will be back in Sculpture By The Sea this year with my work “Sea Change”. The image below gives you an idea of what I’ll be doing to a selection of benches around the base of Mark’s Park at Bondi in the first half of November.  Polypropalene “Lawn Chair” webbing applied to existing aluminium benches.

A series of 24 paintings of Avoca Beach, NSW.

Acrylic and resin on board. 2011

Sculpture By The Sea, 2010

Constructed almost entirely from clothes drier lint it is comprised of hundreds of sea urchin-like shapes that range in size from approx 40cm diameter down to 3cm diameter.  The ‘urchins’ are grouped in 7 ‘pods’ that hug the rocks and range in size from about 40cm sq to 2m sq.

The work is situated on the rocks of Mackenzie’s Bay (in between Bondi and Tamarama) from October 28th - NOv 15th 2010.

Many thanks to Valia laundry Services in Marrickville and all my family, friends and businesses who have contributed, it was a real group effort and would not have been possible without your help collecting.

Sea Cells, 2010, drier lint, polyester thread, chicken wire

Brain Child 611

wood (plantation pine), oil paint and resin.

4.5m w x 2.5 m d x 36cm h

Giant sized Cuisneaire Rods, (counting blocks dating back to the early 1960s) lie on the ground fresh from their box. Barely touched they represent the enormous possibilties of a childs mind, a frozen moment on the cusp of life.

Special thanks to Art Spectrum for material sponsorship and Midcoast Timber Centers for all their help.

The doing of drawing is such a peaceful yet powerful act, akin to meditation. I try to draw everyday and wil add some more examples to this odd selection shortly.

5 Lands Walk, Avoca Beach, June 2009
Suitcases, beach sand, PVA and Terry Towelling
approx 2m w x 3 m d x 1.5m h

Living at the beach sand is ubiquitous.
It is synonymous with the feeling of home as well as the ocean.
Heading home, whether it be from a long commute or an trip away, time accelerates and you start to feel the sand creeping in again; Between your toes, in your hair, under your nails, in the cuffs of your pants, in your shoes, in the shower and always surprises in children’s pockets.

Avoca Beach 2008,
approx 2m x 1.5m x 1.5m.
5 Lands Walk Festival, June 21st, in conjunction with Gosford Regional Gallery.
Interactive installation using discarded PET bottles, wood, food colouring and sand.
Each pair of bottles, connected end to end, can be rotated so the sand moves from one to another like an egg timer.

The Five Lands Walk is an annual cultural event involving MacMasters, Copacabana, Avoca, North Avoca and Terrigal Beach. It takes place close to the winter solstice to co-incide with the northern whale migration. It involves the local arts and indigenous communities, as well as invited artists, to respond to the natural environment.