Barbara Phelps
London, UK
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, a quote or a written article that resonates with her in some way. More recently she has been focusing on the fragility of relationships and the fluctuating emotions of grief.
The techniques used depend upon the requirements of the concept and may include stitch, fabric manipulation, printing and text, while the materials range from vintage linens and cottons to plastics, wire and plaster, each specifically chosen to express the concept. The process can be quite physical, emotional, repetitive and therapeutic.
Recent research into the unconsecrated burial ground, Cross Bones, and The Foundling Hospital resulted in the exhibit:
‘…the night is long that never finds the day…..’ (Shakespeare’s Macbeth)
Merino wool was used to produce good felting, and Herdwick, Masham and Swaledale gave the character. The colours reflect age, blood, pallor and exhaustion in the struggle to survive another day. The wide open mouths reference the mother’s unspeakable pain, loss and shock.
Photographs: by the artist