2019-2020
Sculpture
Wood, MDF, LED
40.5 x 30.5 x 6.5 in.
My senior piece started off as a standing sculpture, one with organic features and a pretty
boring shape overall. To compensate for the lack of shape, I wanted to use LEDs inside the piece
to give it more color, more life than it would have had, but that wasn’t the case. To no one’s
surprise, I scrapped the idea and started again. Sketch after sketch, I was using geometric shapes
on a wall to bring out lines and dimensions, and that’s where the idea really was formed. Since
the piece is still abstract, it took many preliminary drawings until I got the shapes and
dimensions exactly how I liked, but I wasn’t finished yet. The biggest issue was mounting a
piece of this size and shape onto a surface, since I can’t just use a nail or two and expect it to
hold. So much thought has gone into this piece, every connection was planned and attached in a
specific way to not impede the others. I have put more planning into this sculpture than I have
any other, since aesthetic isn’t the only thing I had to consider. There is no real, meaningful
reason for this piece to be the way it is, nor is there a hidden story or message I’m trying to
convey. It’s simply a piece that represents me as a person, and what I enjoy doing - making
abstract and interesting sculptures. Because this is my last sculpture during my time at Dreyfoos,
I’ve taken a lot of time and effort into producing something I love, and something I hope others
love to look at. Lastly, I did still use a concept from my first sculpture design which was the
LEDs. Playing with shape and dimension is one thing, but I thought adding bright colors would
give the piece the last bit it needed. Color, shape, and dimensions have all been considered, and I
hope the viewer likes this piece as much as I do.
Charlie drew me for a random Economics project... thank you for capturing all my stunning features.
It's really amazing thinking about my last few years at Dreyfoos with this class - the same class I've known since the 6th grade, all new artists getting ready to face the same hardships ahead. I've never really stopped to think how lucky I have been, how nice it's been to have such wonderful and supportive people in my life. Everyday arriving on campus these same friends put a smile on my face and are there for me when I need them, and so I say thank you. Thank you all so much for laughing with me, helping me, and just being the best class I could've asked for. Our class only got to spend 3.75 years at Dreyfoos, but these have been the best 3.75 years I couldve ever asked for. I wouldn't have wanted to spend it with anyone besides this class of fantastic, talented individuals. Thank you all for being my friends, and thank you all for letting me smile bright for every second I was with you all. This class is filled with pure talent, and I can't wait to see what you all do in the future. I feel that this class is a family, a family I can't wait to cheer on in the future. Thank you class of 2020 for being the best group of individuals I could have ever wished for, I love you all.
- Brian Barker
Me photo-bombing what WAS a nice photo
Prisca let me have Garfield. This is the best gift I have ever received.
James Sun and I at his graduation
LVR's amazing project
Have you ever made a triple stack peanut butter sandwich in sculpture? I have
A beautiful photo taken at Brian's Grove
Will Penn and I, one of the coolest guys I have ever met
Life is like a box of chocolates. It sucks because I have diabetes. (Ive been waiting years to use that)
Don't take your senior year for granted, It'll be gone before you know it. You're in such a fantastic school surrounded by creative, artistic people - enjoy your time with each and everyone.
Work hard and don't let your time management fail you. Senior year is a time for relief, but also a time for focus and hard effort. If I were to give any advice, it would be to stay organized, stay on top of your work, and to find a sweet balance of your academic work and your art.
You all will do amazing - the class of 2021 is filled with gifted, resourceful, and quick-witted individuals. I can't wait to see what you all can accomplish!
- Brian Barker