I like to think that deep in our psyches we search for that primeval expanse of grassland, dotted with trees from which humanity arose. Our earliest ancestors could quickly climb those trees to escape danger. But higher vistas also revealed new adventures on the horizon.
Notions of chaos and order are underlying themes in my art. Too much chaos in the world makes life unbearable. Yet too much order makes it boring. The path between chaos and order is where richness exists. The characters in my paintings are looking for that pathway. Through implied stories and personal symbols, I encourage viewers to complete the story. The imagery is based on maquettes, clay figurines and toy animals.
--Julie Barbeau