Lin Barrie, Artist Statement

 

 

I have a Fine Art Diploma from Durban Art College; (Printmaking, Painting, Ceramics and Sculpture), and completed a creative writing course through the University of Cape Town.

 

 

My travels have resulted in a love for ecosystems, nature, cultures, textiles, dance and beadwork, storytelling and poetry.  I live partly in Harare and partly in Chief Mahenye’s village, a  Xangana community in the south East lowveld of Zimbabwe.

 

 

I believe everything is interconnected; animals, plants and people all entwined in the web of life. As people move worldwide across borders, for tourism, work or emigration, I think that traditional cultures are as important as ever- technology allows us to instantly communicate, share stories and strengthen the conservation of both culture and ecosystems.

My paintings are a reflection of the inspiration that I get from observing life in action, landscapes, movement, colour.  I believe that the abstract can only be realized after careful and loving study of the reality. Using acrylics, found objects such as lala palm fronds for brushes, sticks for drawing pens and my trusty old palette knife, I try to capture immediacy, mood and emotion.