“Where The Heart Is” by Bob Barker is an enchanting work that elegantly captures the nuances of love and companionship through its masterful depiction of two figures poised under umbrellas. Barker’s celebrated ability to weave emotion into sculpture is profoundly evident in this piece, where the essence of togetherness is beautifully crystallized. Crafted in Barker’s distinctive style, the figures exude a sense of tranquility and warmth, invoking the charm of shared moments amidst life’s unpredictable weather. The rich texture of the sculpture, rendered with meticulous detail, invites the viewer to explore the subtle interactions between the figures. Each fold and contour of their attire adds depth and narrative to the composition, showcasing Barker’s renowned attention to fine detail. Barker, known for his evocative sculptures, often draws upon themes of human connection and resilience.
In “Where The Heart Is,” he crafts a poignant tribute to the enduring bond shared between individuals. This piece stands as a testament to Barker’s ability to capture universal themes, making it a compelling focal point that harmonizes beautifully in both contemporary and traditional settings.
| Medium: | Bronze |
| Format: | Sculpture |
| Size (Framed): | 39 x 23 cm |
| Signed: | No |
| Condition: | Excellent |
Inspired by the Yorkshire mill towns that shaped his youth, Bob is known for his ‘Northern Impressionism’ style. Depicting touching childhood, family and romantic scenes, his nostalgic artworks feature a neutral palette of greys and browns with splashes of vibrant colour and a unique inner glow created by the manipulation of light and shadow.
Bob’s loyal collectors are touched by the genuine feeling of nostalgia that each of his artworks evokes. His childhood memories – including riding scooters with his friends and walking home from school to the mill where his mother worked as a weaver – influence his industrial scenes, which feature themes of work, love and friendship.
To create his atmospheric scenes, Bob uses traditional techniques, including sfumato. Often seen in Renaissance paintings, this involves softening the transition between colours so they appear to evaporate like smoke. Artistic influences also include Victorian landscape painter John Atkinson Grimshaw, Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, and JMW Turner.
Closer to home, Bob is hugely inspired by his family, whose influence appears throughout his work. Talking about his piece ‘Girl Talk’, showing two women having a chat, he says: “I was brought up by my mum and grandma and had four aunties, and though I had elder brothers, I was usually the only lad surrounded by women and it’s often been like that all my life. I’ve got two granddaughters who are now at university, who have grown up with my paintings, and I still want to be involved with their conversations. Even now in the pub, where the blokes are talking about cars, I always gravitate to the girls’ side!”
