In this body of work, Vera Barnett has turned to the written word—quotes, poetry, literature, sayings—for inspiration. From those words, Barnett derives poignant meaning through compositions she develops. Barnett creates the elements of the composition—by sewing and painting plastic, cardboard, and cloth to create figures and animals; by painting backdrops using cardboard and tape; and by assembling found objects. Once these elements are set up in her studio, Barnett paints her still life arrangement in a trompe l’oeil manner so real as to confound the viewer. Barnett says, “I am drawn to art that explores the emotional relationships between people, their environment and circumstances that they find themselves in. I wish to reconstruct these ideas through my own vision, my life and experiences.” Barnett studied at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. This is her second solo exhibition at Valley House Gallery. Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches will present a solo exhibition of Barnett’s work in 2016.

View the exhibition at valleyhouse.com or call 972-239-2441 for information