The Next Generation – Hayley Barker

The Craft of Fantasy

Hayley Barker is an artist who embraces any medium as long as it can be used to make magic. Barker’s artwork is the product of fluidity, curiosity, and playful encounters. Never creating anything short of fantasy, the Denver, Colorado-based artists is an expert at not only crafting new worlds, but welcoming viewers in. Barker’s work often melds outward personal expression with community and participation. With projects ranging in form from installations to textiles to sculpture to painting, the creative process for Hayley Barker is one in which all parties get to explore and experiment. One of the most important aspects of building a world of fantasy, fun, and creativity is including others in the process. Luckily for us, in Hayley Barker’s world, all are invited in.

Part One: Who is Hayley Barker?

Question #2: Who are you as an artist?

I make art in my apartment studio. I am always exploring new mediums and forms, but my favorites are painting and textile soft sculpture. I like to work around themes of materials and space, most of my work pre-COVID was large installations that were filled with mixed media of bright and punchy colors. I always come back to the theme of craft within my work, and playful whimsical fantasy. I think craft and community is such a strong connection, creating the world we want to live in through materials and symbolism. Craft in itself creates a story of its own through its lived experience of creation and community.

Question #3: In terms of your artistic journey, why are you here and where are you going?

I am here because I want to connect with other artists In my community. During COVID I have found that especially hard. I want to keep being inspired as much as possible through others and keep conversations going. I hope to someday be able to create in community again, through live events and happenings. That is my main goal in my practice.

Question #4: What do you absolutely need your audience to know about you or your work?

I want people to know that they can be free to feel silly and fantastical through my work. That an escape from the everyday is good, and that art is such a means to creating the world we want to live in.

Question #5: What has the process of making art taught you or given you?

It has taught me to not be afraid of being childish, and being able to explore as much as I can everyday. It has taught me to learn everyday and find inspiration in small things. It has also taught me that experience is the meaning of life, it really gives a meaning to everything in my life.

Question #7: What keeps you going?

My community, the support from other artists, and having fun with my work always.

Part Two: New Worlds

I work a lot with found materials, which creates a huge element of craft to my work. I’m inspired by everyday things, animals and nature, especially weird happenings in nature. My work strays from being interpersonal and is mostly outer personal, creating a world of fantasy and expression. I use lots of color and different materials (a lot of shiny things!) to get this effect.

Where/ How can Vacant Museum viewers see more of your work and where can they purchase it?

My website has most of my works, hayleyjo.me My Instagram is where I am most active with my day to day practice. @hayleyjostudios For purchase inquiries, email hayleyjobarker@gmail.com or check out my Etsy shop for smaller works: Etsy.com/shop/hayleyjostudios