Starting out as a fashion designer, Dana Barnes has been working artistically for most of her adult life. Shortly after having her two daughters, Barnes made the move into textiles. Her first project was a means to appease the neighbors who lived directly below her loft, as her girls’ feet pitter-pattered along on the floorboards. The huge felt rugs that she came up with resembled giant crocheted coasters, and they were quickly a success outside her apartment as well. This led to similar designs where Barnes boldly used the natural world as a source of inspiration… bales of hay, for example.
Present day, Barnes and her small, talented team create works for art fairs and galleries; as well as accepting private commissions. Artisanal fiber-working is a complicated and extremely time-consuming process. The pieces Barnes makes are sculptural and constructed from raw materials such as felted wool, alpaca and bamboo. Placing Barnes’ natural fibers alongside polished platforms is a fabulous juxtaposition. Who would have thought? Luckily, Barnes did!
Barnes’ studio has a very interesting history. Erected in 1874, this NYC Forsyth Street location housed a Jewish Orthodox synagogue and a mikvah (a small rainwater-filled pool used to purify). In 1963, it was purchased by an Abstract Expressionist couple, Milton Resnick and Pat Passlof. Amazingly enough, remnants of Passlof’s creative inspiration remain; this was something Barnes was instantly attracted to!
Image courtesy of: Denada Design
Dana Barnes’ fiber art, up close and personal
Image courtesy of: Denada Design
These “Giant Granny Squares” are made from Barnes’ super bulky yarn and look striking in the color variations above
Image courtesy of: Maggie’s Crochet Blog
Dana Barnes with her luxe creations.
Image courtesy of: Kathryn Clark Blogspot