Artists » Barbara Harnack
Womans face relief
Woman with yellow blouse relief
Man with purple tie
woman with pink blouse relief
Mans face relief
Man with hat
Round faced girl
Barbara Harnack
Working in “American Raku”, Barbara Harnack creates magical one-of-a-kind sculptures, bringing to life the character of people everywhere. She also makes raku vases with her husband, Michael Lancaster. Raku, meaning “spontaneous dance” is a tea ceremony name dating to the 16th century. The works are pulled red hot from the kiln and placed in a barrel of straw, and then, working with the fire, Barbara and her husband continue moving the work in the fire until completed. “My work has been a dialogue between a sense of humor and our own “divinity” as human beings. When I was a girl, I studied with a wonderful puppet maker named Madame sorell. I never got over the experience of creating “living beings” from nothing. As a result my artwork has been a study of character from dark to light. Influences include Mark Chagall, Beatrice wood, William Steig, Antique toys, folk art, and the many moments I have delighted in Children’s artwork.”