Rachael Barns
Rachael Barns is an interdisciplinary artist working in Norwich. She works sustainably with found, donated, second-hand and waste materials, and is increasingly focused on plastics, both found and domestic.
Her materials-led practice takes an experimental approach across a wide range of techniques and outcomes: she stitches, twines, hooks, fuses, twists, knits, weaves, gathers, threads and joins to create, shape and manipulate her materials. Her work relates to wider interests in the psychological, neurological and ecological benefits of connecting with the natural world.
She has a background in teaching and shares her passion for waste materials through classes and workshops. Since 2023 she has exhibited across East Anglia, the US and Brazil, including on the Raveningham and Bayfield Hall sculpture trails, and she is a member of the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society and the Lonely Arts Club.
Artist Statement
Using waste materials is integral to my practice. I predominantly use materials that would otherwise be thrown away, I find discarded, or already own. I consider this a stance against consumerism, the associated waste and impact on non-human life and the natural Earth.
My research has focused on the environmental problems around plastic production, consumption and disposal. This has led me to concentrate on utilising and experimenting with waste plastics including found, domestic and textiles.
I am increasingly finding different ways of working with waste plastics, there are multiple creative advantages - it encourages experimentation, is versatile and is (unfortunately) both plentiful and long-lasting.
