Artwork copyright Mindy Barker. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Jenny Shadley, 2023.
Artwork copyright Mindy Barker. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Jenny Shadley, 2023.
Artwork copyright Mindy Barker. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.
Artwork copyright Mindy Barker. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.
Artwork copyright Mindy Barker. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Jenny Shadley, 2023.
Soil, 2023
Mindy Barker
(born 1968)
Location: View Ridge Middle - Sunset Ridge Intermediate, Ridgefield
About the Artwork
Soil by Mindy Barker is one of three paintings that show the native animals of the lower Columbia River in Southwestern Washington. A barred owl represents air, a white-tailed deer represents soil, and a northern Pacific tree frog represents water. Barker notes, "The animals gaze outward, looking directly at us – a plea and reminder that we share in the work of maintaining the delicate balance of life in our water, air, and soil ecosystems." The animals are cut-outs that sit in front of round, painted panels of magnified cross-sections of local plants and micro-organisms.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Ridgefield School District.
About the Artist
Mindy Barker creates large-scale murals and paintings. She is fascinated by color: "Every project I complete is a study in the complexity, depth, psychology of color and how to manage, mimic and manipulate it... Color is my inspiration, my teacher, my joy."Barker was born in Tacoma and has lived in many cities around the Pacific Northwest. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. She started a one-woman, decorative painting business in 1993 focusing on murals, trompe l’oeil, and custom paintings.
_edited.jpg)
_edited.jpg)
Translate