Starting off in the beginning, it was defined to be simple as work was done with carved clay and wood wall sculptures. The three dimensional concept came along with free standing sculptures as it motivated me to explore the world among ourselves. I have traveled this globe and found it to be culturally anxious, yet delightfully playful. The discovery within is a metaphor expressed in my work which I shave and carve deeply into reminding myself of the chaos in the work-a-day world I am able to remove the negativeness which allows for the positiveness to come forth. Difficulties are reflected of what we all have the ability to communicate exactly what is meant. A realization appears as it is not just the Deaf who have this challenge. Art is defined as the universal communicator. My work has now moved me towards  to the fulfillment of our natures magnificent beauty and our earth's glorious environment. This has created the theme behind my art.

The deaf communication sign for "I love You" is incorporated in most of my creations, as well as the use of 'holes' which are apparent when you examine my work more closely. The holes represent the inherent need we all have to fill out hearts, minds and spirits within the surroundings of life. When doing this, communication is expressed in all levels. Whimsical movement, vibrant colors and mystic overtones combined to create all the themes behind my art. The influence of the Far East, Asian, Egyptian, Zuni, Greek and Aztec cultures, flow within my designs.

They refect hidden, painful, emotional themes, as they are rendered into colors defined to be cheerful and vibrant. The paradox as it evokes emotions which accentuate the recycling harmonic flow of life. This of course, is always depicted from my ‘ profoundly’ deaf perspective.

Dawn Barnett