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Village Gallery's Featured Artist - August 2010
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| Richard Barnwell Metal Sculptor |
VOC resident metal artist and businessman Richard Barnwell
is eagerly anticipating meeting and greeting visitors at the Village
Gallery of Local Artists during FIRST FRIDAY in the VILLAGE Art Walk on
August 6th, 2010.
From hobbyist in his jr high school metal-working class in Novato, California to designer of the ‘drama’ gates for the new Red Rock Center for the Performing Arts in Sedona, Richard has fed a passion for creating in iron and metal arts that as never waned. After nearly 25 years in the media industry, he moved to the Village Of Oak Creek in 2007 and, with his wife, Renata at his side, turned the ‘hobby’ into a very productive business, RBDesigns.
Richard was not too patient in his youth, and in fact confesses, “I actually got into metal class because I hated waiting for the glue to dry in wood shop!” As a full time artist and businessman, however, he definitely proves that he is serious about his work- perhaps as a result of his formative years when at the age of 15, he began working in his father’s photo dark room- a job which eventually led him to a long career of many years in the Broadcast News industry at NBC TV as well as in his own company.
“After 20 years in the broadcasting industry, my wife and I built a home in the Village of Oak Creek with a studio where I can now devote my time to creating custom fun and functional wrought iron pieces for homes.” Indeed, the Barnwell residence is itself a showplace where visitors can see endless possibilities for decorating their own little (or large) nest, resort or business facility. From drawer and door pulls to chandeliers and wall art, the artist’s carefully crafted metal works create an unmistakable WOW factor from the moment you step up to the door. Working with acetylene torch, Mig arc welder and Tig welder which allows for more intricate work with a variety of metals (including copper, gold and silver), he creates unique artistic, yet functional pieces- candle holders, towel bars, vanity lights, fireplace hardware, indoor and outdoor sconces, headboards and more.
The artist is currently very excited about putting the finishing touches on a once-in–a lifetime project: a set of large metal gates of his own design for the nearly completed Sedona Red Rock Performing Arts Center on the campus of Red Rock High School in Sedona. With wrought-iron ‘music note’ pulls, the gates showcase the traditional universally known symbol of theater, a set of Comedy/Tragedy masks representative of those worn by Greek actors during the Golden Age in Athens.
With an inquisitive nature, a love of line and form and a perfectionist’s attention to detail that has assured continuing success in growing his business, the designer of all things metal for the home has a new focus: “I want to help my customers design original metal art and sculpture for their home, resort or business facility as a partner; I am committed to working within their budget and with them personally every step of the way to design works that will bring out the best in their special home or business, whether they are buying, building or renovating.”
Meanwhile, the Barnwells are very active members of the local community where they dedicate many hours to the Sedona Rotary Club, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and The Village Gallery of Local Artists where visitors can see a complete collection of Richard’s work.
Meet Richard at First Friday in the Village on August 6th from 5-8 pm. He will answer questions and take appointments for consultation and/or visits to the Barnwell home for anyone interested in custom metal designs for their home. Contact Richard at starbarn@aol.com www.rbdesignsaz.com
From hobbyist in his jr high school metal-working class in Novato, California to designer of the ‘drama’ gates for the new Red Rock Center for the Performing Arts in Sedona, Richard has fed a passion for creating in iron and metal arts that as never waned. After nearly 25 years in the media industry, he moved to the Village Of Oak Creek in 2007 and, with his wife, Renata at his side, turned the ‘hobby’ into a very productive business, RBDesigns.
Richard was not too patient in his youth, and in fact confesses, “I actually got into metal class because I hated waiting for the glue to dry in wood shop!” As a full time artist and businessman, however, he definitely proves that he is serious about his work- perhaps as a result of his formative years when at the age of 15, he began working in his father’s photo dark room- a job which eventually led him to a long career of many years in the Broadcast News industry at NBC TV as well as in his own company.
“After 20 years in the broadcasting industry, my wife and I built a home in the Village of Oak Creek with a studio where I can now devote my time to creating custom fun and functional wrought iron pieces for homes.” Indeed, the Barnwell residence is itself a showplace where visitors can see endless possibilities for decorating their own little (or large) nest, resort or business facility. From drawer and door pulls to chandeliers and wall art, the artist’s carefully crafted metal works create an unmistakable WOW factor from the moment you step up to the door. Working with acetylene torch, Mig arc welder and Tig welder which allows for more intricate work with a variety of metals (including copper, gold and silver), he creates unique artistic, yet functional pieces- candle holders, towel bars, vanity lights, fireplace hardware, indoor and outdoor sconces, headboards and more.
The artist is currently very excited about putting the finishing touches on a once-in–a lifetime project: a set of large metal gates of his own design for the nearly completed Sedona Red Rock Performing Arts Center on the campus of Red Rock High School in Sedona. With wrought-iron ‘music note’ pulls, the gates showcase the traditional universally known symbol of theater, a set of Comedy/Tragedy masks representative of those worn by Greek actors during the Golden Age in Athens.
With an inquisitive nature, a love of line and form and a perfectionist’s attention to detail that has assured continuing success in growing his business, the designer of all things metal for the home has a new focus: “I want to help my customers design original metal art and sculpture for their home, resort or business facility as a partner; I am committed to working within their budget and with them personally every step of the way to design works that will bring out the best in their special home or business, whether they are buying, building or renovating.”
Meanwhile, the Barnwells are very active members of the local community where they dedicate many hours to the Sedona Rotary Club, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and The Village Gallery of Local Artists where visitors can see a complete collection of Richard’s work.
Meet Richard at First Friday in the Village on August 6th from 5-8 pm. He will answer questions and take appointments for consultation and/or visits to the Barnwell home for anyone interested in custom metal designs for their home. Contact Richard at starbarn@aol.com www.rbdesignsaz.com
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