Bev Barnett
Mixed Media, Paper, Multidisciplinary
Recalling the stillness and quiet majesty of a forest, this piece invites mindful observation and contemplative reflection. Recycled paper pulp cast onto suspended strings recall the upright elegance of the trees. Beneath them, rust prints in delicate fiber trace subtle, organic pathways across the forest floor. 18 X 24.
I'm inspired by nature's relentless pursuit of mere existence. And the "Jurassic Park" franchise is a guilty pleasure. Seriously, though, we all have to find our way forward, pushing through whatever barriers are placed in front of us, big or small.
Cotton and abaca fiber pulp treated with cyanotype pushes through a metal grid, finding a way. Background is 100% plant-based fiber paper from invasive American Pokeweed. Gallery wrapped edges over canvas. 12 X 16 X 2 ready to hang.
Throughout the phases of our lives, we reassess our satisfaction with our work, our relationships, our purpose and our very idea of what success means. And we redefine our paths accordingly.
This piece has also been redefined. Originally, a single sheet of handmade paper from tulip stems stood as the background to twigs, twined together and stitched onto the paper. In its new iteration, I've collaged additional handmade paper made from various plant fibers including Mullein, Day Lillie, and a large, vertical path made from Poke Weed.
Mounted on cradled board and ready to hang. 14 X 11
Pathways handmade paper blocks. Plant-fiber paper, recycling and silk pulp on 4X4 wood blocks, sold separately or in pre-configured groupings. Commissions accepted, using the plant fiber from my garden, or yours!
Every day brings so many choices. Sometimes we just have to choose the most direct path, and sometimes its okay to explore the side streets. Handmade paper including upcycled fabric scraps, wire. The 6 X 6 artworks in my Inspirations series are ready to hang unframed.
24th Street Northwest honors the spirit of any American neighborhood—a place where side-by-side homes shelter lives woven together through shared experience, resilience, and quiet connection. Cast paper and fiber pulp cling to suspended strings, suggesting the fragile yet enduring threads of community. Bright strands of twined upcycled sari silk pierce the surface like sunlight at dawn, as each new day brings a renewed hope.
This piece was selected for the 2025 Crocker Kingsley Exhibition. On cradled wood panel, 15 X 36 X 5
Studio
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
About Bev Barnett
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What to Expect at my Open Studio
- Take a self-guided tour of my natural dye and plant fiber gardens
- Learn about my leaf printing and papermaking workshops
- See works in progress and purchase art at a studio discount
Hands-on Papermaking Demos: 1 - 2 pm Saturday and Sunday September 20 and 21
Artist's Statement
I am a fiber artist who reimagines traditional techniques, blending them with unexpected materials to create highly textured wall sculptures and collages. My work has been featured in exhibitions such as the 2025 Crocker Kingsley Exhibition, where my cast handmade paper wall sculpture, 24th Street NW, was on display.
My process begins with handmade paper, which I craft from plant fibers, recycled scraps, and repurposed fabrics. I also transform natural materials with rust, cyanotype, and plant-based pigments. These elements, along with upcycled 'fiber stand-ins' like guitar strings and various found objects, become the building blocks for my highly textured artworks.
In my workshops, I share my passion for handmade paper and leaf printing. I teach basic techniques while creating an open space for experimentation and creative exploration. I believe that embracing "happy accidents" is not just the best way to learn, but also the best way to infuse joy into the creative process.
I weave these diverse elements together to create textured narratives that communicate a sense of wonder and explore a world of infinite possibilities. I believe creativity is key to critical thinking, and by using unexpected materials, I hope to encourage people to rethink their assumptions and expectations.
Services Offered
Takes Commissions, Teaches Classes