"It is my misfortune - and probably my delight - to use things as
my passions tell me. What a miserable fate for a painter who
adores blondes to have to stop himself putting them in a picture
because they don't go with the basket of fruit ! "
Pablo Picasso
I studied Fine Art at Central St Martins in the early 1980’s. My visual and creative education began much earlier however, my father Kit Barker and mother Ilse, were a painter and writer respectively, their circle of creative friends meant that the world I grew up in was one focused both on the visual experience and the stimulation of the imagination.
I now live and work in rural Shropshire where time can get muddled and many odd and unexpected things occur...
Playfulness, the surprise of details and irreverence are important in my work. Juxtaposition is a powerful tool and reflections are a terrific way of creating them.
In my recent works, the viewer enters a world of half-dreams and imagined histories… This is a world populated by anthropomorphised Toby Jugs. These roguish Tobys, extravagant spendthrifts, are captivated and titillated by mirrors and reflective surfaces as well as the sparkle of gold and glass. Given the slightest opportunity, these roguish Tobies will empty their purse in the pursuit of pleasure... Usually favouring a reckless gamble or the flirtatious attentions of an accommodating concubine.
Here is an extract featuring my work from the BBC film
about the 2018 RA Summer show
Comments on my work
"I shall hang this work at the top of my stairs and know that it will
make me laugh every morning for the rest of my life"
Mr D Fraser
London
"Whilst it is amazing to see Hockney and Parry at the RA, I enjoyed your picture the most! "
Ms Constantine
London
"I'm delighted that the University of San Diego have purchased a 'French Fancy' print for their permanent collection."
Derrick R Cartwright Associate Professor
Dept of Art, Architecture & Art History.
USA
"Just a note to say how much I admired your RA submission, which seemed to me to be original, well-made and exhilarating in its good humour. What more could one want?"
Sir P Simon, Lord Justice, QC
London
“Your work is probably something we have talked about
more than anything else we have ever seen"
Andrew
Wrexham
“The joy you bring to my life is a wonderful thing."
Sam, Shrewsbury
