Barbara Phelps

Twickenham, Middlesex, U.K

Barbara’s work is conceptual and mostly three dimensional in structure reflecting her background in theatre.  She has mainly focused on themes of personal identity, memory, space and loss and usually begins with an emotional response to something seen or read, an object, quote or written article that resonates with her in some way. 

Her installation for the “Narrative Thread” exhibition was inspired by a vintage metal cot outside a junk shop. It appeared lost and abandoned and she felt compelled to rescue it. This became the focus of her work in which she examined how we seek to protect our children in a framework of security and love, with varying degrees of success.  More recently she has been focussing on the fluctuating emotions caused by grief.

The techniques she employs depend on the requirements of the concept and may include stitch, printing, fabric manipulation and text, while the materials range from vintage linens and cottons to plastics, wire and plaster.  The stitching is often quite physical, emotional and repetitive and sometimes therapeutic.