Artist Sophie Barber has transformed her deep connection to the Hastings landscape into a distinctive body of work that seamlessly blends painting and textile art. Working from her studio overlooking the historic English coastal town, Barber creates pieces that capture the raw beauty and ever-changing moods of this seaside community.
Barber's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her daily observations of Hastings' dramatic coastline, from the weathered fishing boats dotting the shore to the shifting light that dances across the chalk cliffs. Her paintings often feature bold, expressive brushstrokes that mirror the turbulent energy of the sea, while her textile works incorporate found materials and traditional techniques that echo the town's rich maritime heritage.
The artist's studio serves as both workspace and sanctuary, filled with canvases in various stages of completion and textile pieces that hang like colorful flags throughout the space. Natural light floods through large windows, providing the perfect environment for Barber to experiment with color and texture as she translates her outdoor sketches into finished works.
Barber's unique approach involves spending considerable time outdoors, often working en plein air during the early morning hours when the light is most dramatic. She then returns to her studio to develop these initial impressions into more complex compositions, sometimes combining multiple mediums to achieve the depth and richness she seeks in her final pieces.
