Featured image: Man Trap, Barbara Fletcher, 2021, mixed media sculpture, 21 x 23 x 16 in. / 53.34 x 58.42 x 40.64 cm.
Barbara Fletcher’s mixed media sculptures explore themes of mythology, environmental balance, and the fragility of nature.
Barbara Fletcher creates dynamic mixed media sculptures exploring environmental themes, mythology, and humanity’s impact on nature through innovative techniques.
Through her innovative use of materials such as clay, paper, and found objects, Fletcher crafts works that challenge viewers to consider humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Her works bring to life narratives that are both timeless and urgent.
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Summit, Barbara Fletcher, 2021, mixed media sculpture, 24 x 30 x 32 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 x 81.28 cm.
Inspired by a Native American creation myth, Summit (2021) depicts a harmonious gathering of animals atop a figure embodying the Earth. This sculpture combines organic textures and vibrant details to evoke a sense of reverence for nature’s interconnectedness. The human-like figure serves as both a guardian and a landscape, summoning creatures great and small to coexist in unity. Fletcher’s intricate work reminds viewers of the deep bond between humanity and the natural world, calling for a return to balance and respect for all living things.
Goldberg Variations, Barbara Fletcher, 2022, mixed media sculpture, 42 x 42 x 13 in. / 106.68 x 106.68 x 33.02 cm.
In Goldberg Variations (2022), Fletcher draws inspiration from the whimsical contraptions of Rube Goldberg to illustrate the precarious balance of nature. This circular sculpture features cascading elements, such as a miniature Earth, rocky terrain, and anthropomorphic objects, all interconnected in a chain reaction. The piece highlights how human actions, no matter how small, can disrupt natural harmony. Through vivid colors and intricate designs, Fletcher conveys the fragility of ecosystems, urging viewers to consider the ripple effects of their choices on the environment.
Wave of the Future, Barbara Fletcher, 2024, mixed media sculpture, 22 x 29 x 13 in. / 55.88 x 73.66 x 33.02 cm.
Wave of the Future (2024) envisions a dramatic confrontation between nature’s beauty and humanity’s impact. This dynamic sculpture, crafted from paper and clay, features a large, predatory fish emerging from swirling blue waves. The piece captures a sense of movement and tension, as if the future of marine ecosystems hangs in the balance. Fletcher’s use of bold, textured waves juxtaposed with the fish’s stark appearance reflects the challenges faced by ocean life in the wake of climate change and pollution.
Barbara Fletcher’s sculptures share a common thread of environmental interdependence, blending mythology, art, and activism. Through her imaginative use of mixed media, Fletcher captures the essence of nature’s fragility and the urgent need for balance. Whether summoning the wisdom of creation myths, exploring the domino effects of human actions, or depicting the raw beauty of marine life, Fletcher’s works inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and a call to protect it.
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Metal Cataclysm, Barbara Fletcher, 2025, mixed media sculpture, 26 x 26 x 5 in. / 66.04 x 66.04 x 12.7 cm.
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