Barbara Cooper Peora Growth

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The artist Barbara Cooper has created a unique form of sculptures in her collection entitled re:Growth. Several pieces from this collection are on display at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. These pieces are made in a unique eye catching media, wood veneer. Specifically veneer that has been discarded by milling plants and furniture plants. What is especially fascinating about this media is that she reforms the veneer into sculptures which resemble trees. The tree like sculptures are spread throughout the room similarly to a small patch of trees in the country side. There are three tall sculptures, one laying on its side, and one that resembles a tree stump. Two of the tall standing structures wrap around each other and stretch nearly to the ceiling. There isn’t more than a foot of space between them. Scraps of veneer have been fastened to their outer shell in a way that resembles the bark of a tree. The next piece is wider and stands on its own. Its tan color draws you in and holds your gaze. Another piece lays on its side. Its shape differs from the others and appears to be more abstract. From the side …show more content…

The veneer is wrapped and folded over itself until a hard core has been composed. In the case of the stump the veneer has been formed into thick tubes which have been placed beside each other. This is both effective in structurally upholding the 3-D design, and in providing an eye catching design. All of the pieces are covered in an outer shell of creamy tan veneer. Fastened to the outer shell are gaged polygonal shards. At first glance these shard have an organic look to them and resemble tree bark. It’s not until a closer look is taken that it becomes apparent that these are nothing more than pieces of wood. These gaged pieces cast short shadows across the sculpture causing interruptions in the smooth tan look. This is pleasant and looks very

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