Barry Clarke (Art)
Artist's Statement
I was born in Surrey, England in 1946, but have lived in New Zealand on and off since the 80’s and permanently since 1991.
I have always painted and studied art informally. I am a self taught painter and Jewellery maker.
I went to sea as a boy in the British Merchant Navy (1963 - 1972) and came to New Zealand in 1972 and began painting. The sea has always been an influence on my work. Also, birds, the land, fish and the sea run through my jewellery. New Zealand offers all – in abundance.
Ships like the "English Star', 'Queen Mary', 'Cape Howe' and 'Loch Avon', many of which I worked on, all have stories to tell.
I am influenced by the Minoan, Cycladic and Celtic cultures as well as the modern artists, Brancusi, Picasso, Giocometti and Marini.