
About Anita Wahl Barnes
Art has been a guiding force throughout my life and creative journey. With a background in graphic design, I gained essential skills that I have used to design in everything I do. After completing my studies, I established a weaving studio where, for several years, I worked with fibers, making and selling soft sculptures.
My artistic path then led me to community education projects, where I engaged in painting, signage, stage sets, and sculpture. These projects expanded my knowledge of different mediums and materials, from repurposing objects to experimenting with various shapes and sizes. This period was marked by a continuous exploration of new techniques and the creative adaptation of unexpected materials to meet the needs of each project.
I later transitioned to jewelry making, where I applied my design knowledge on a much smaller scale. This shift allowed me to focus on intricate details and craftsmanship.
Parallel to my artistic endeavors, I have been an avid flower gardener for many years. Initially, I created garden sculptures from found objects, but my focus gradually shifted to indoor sculptures, where I could experiment with a wider range of materials. This shift gave rise to my floral sculptures. I use color and design, with found and created elements, to sculpt flowers in both abstract and more representational forms. My work now includes indoor and outdoor pieces, as well as hanging, floor, table sculptures, and Lamps.
Awards
2nd Place Award - Red Bluff Art Gallery, Red Bluff, Ca.
FLOWERS 4 PEACE & PROSPERITY 2024