David Barnett

Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of history, the
essence of my work lies in the age-old struggle between nature and the man-made industrial world. My challenge is to convey that sense of conflict in way that resonates with the viewer. 

I incorporate Victorian era botanical imagery, ancient anatomical diagrams, and vintage mechanical components along with
natural materials. Whether it’s a rusty piece of metal, branches from an oak tree, or tiny turquoise-tipped rooster feathers, the right juxtaposition reveals itself to me—the more absurd, the
better. A character is born and a narrative begins to unravel. The theme of flight is recurrent, as is the conflation of anatomy and mechanics. The result is a menagerie of ethereal winged creatures, human and animal hybrids, and fanciful flying machines. In this era of mass-production and instant gratification, it’s my hope that these intimate and meticulously crafted works will also evoke a sense of rarity, delight, and mystery.

BFA Pratt Institute