Artist

Artist Statement

Craig Barnard is a British artist known for his figurative sculptures and three dimensional design work. His background in furniture design and construction brings a precise and meticulous quality to his work. 

He works quickly and instinctively from sight to shape and model the subject. He is particularly interested in the human form, capturing the character and personality of the sitter.

Craig takes moulds from his sculptures and casts them. After the moulding process, he hollows out and fires all of the original clays. He experiments with various materials in the casting process, finding the sculpture can take on a completely different character.

Craig works on his collection and commissions from his home studio in north London. He attends weekly life-sculpting sessions and takes part regularly in exhibitions, including Crouch End Open Studios, The National Brain Appeal’s ‘A Letter in Mind’ and The Holy Art Gallery.

Artist Bio

Born in Hackney, London, Craig Barnard, studied a BA (Hons) degree in three dimensional design, specialising in furniture, where his final piece was selected for the ‘Young Blood’ exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery. He set up a design practice with a fellow graduate, producing designs and furniture for clients. One of his pieces was selected by the Design Council, another was used on the set of Ruby Wax’s chat show in the late 1980s.

He went on to study for a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in design and technology. 

He later set up a successful company producing furniture and specialist spray finishes, working with several interior designers on contracts in central London.

From there he went into property design, development and project management, setting up his Barnard Design and Build company, and also brought up his four children.

Throughout his life Craig has always created art, painting and drawing and, in more recent years, sculpture.