My art practice focuses on transforming reclaimed materials into works that challenge our views on value and disposability. Each project is unique, but my work consistently explores themes of human consumption, waste, and the misuse of natural resources, as well as their environmental and social impacts. Redeeming untidy, muddled waste material into carefully crafted objects is a deeply satisfying part of my process. Transforming cast-offs into something of value and beauty is an act of optimism, demonstrating the potential for renewal and change.

Art is a powerful medium for storytelling and advocacy, encouraging profound engagement with critical environmental and social issues. It fosters empathy and highlights often overlooked topics. By reimagining waste materials or showcasing the human impact on the environment, I aim to contribute to the conversation on sustainability and our collective responsibility toward the natural world and its inhabitants.


Bio
Barbara Holmes was born and raised in Southern California. She attended Brigham Young University for her undergraduate studies and did her graduate work at San Diego State University where she received her MFA. Barbara has exhibited nationally and internationally, is a Sam & Alfreda Maloof scholarship recipient, and has been awarded art residencies at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Capital City Arts Initiative, Facebook, I-Park, Penland School of Crafts and Recology. Her artwork often utilizes material reclaimed from the waste stream, transforming seemingly untidy material into carefully crafted forms and site-specific installations. She has been commissioned for projects at Facebook Headquarters, for collectors Laura and Gary Lauder and has work in the permanent collections at San Francisco Museum of Art (SFMOMA) and Recology (et al.). Barbara has extensive experience in museum display and exhibitions as a lead carpenter and preparator working in renowned institutions such as the San Diego Museum of Art, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, and Oakland Museum of California. She has taught art and design for over 20 years; as a visiting lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and currently as an Associate Professor and Director of the Art Gallery within the Art Department at Saddleback College.