Barbara De Pirro 'biomimicry'

Surface Design Article

2011-12-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

Mixing Invasive Media to Create Environmental Awareness

How many times had I stopped to examine this grand old tree with its gnarled and ruptured bark?

I was in awe of its unsettling beauty, utterly engulfed in a web of invasive ivy, with a strangle hold so deeply rooted into the surface; the tree bulged from underneath the vine’s unrelenting grip.

The spark. This is where it began.

Click here for the FULL ARTICLE

Many thanks to Surface Design Association!

Botanica

2011-11-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Fraker/Scott Gallery

121 Prefontaine Pl S.

Seattle, WA

206/883-4633

November 3 - December 31

Opening for Seattle's Pioneer Square Art Walk

Thursday, November 3, 5-8 PM

Artist Presentation and Holiday Reception

Saturday November 19, 5-7 PM

More details HERE

'pollinate' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

'conifer' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

Intertwined, Requiem for the Trees

2011-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Harbor History Museum is hosting an exhibit that explores the human connection to trees.

Outreach to the arts community was initiated by Pat Lantz, WA State Parks Commissioner, in response to the pending removal of trees in Kopachuck Park.

Artists were called to bear witness and memorialize the magnificence of trees.

The exhibit runs from
October 1-16, 2011
in the lobby of the Harbor History Museum.

More images & information HERE

'roots & vines' Barbara De Pirro

'forest weavings' on Camano Island

2011-09-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

'forest weavings' Barbara De Pirro

My outdoor series of installations ‘forest weavings’ utilize invasive plant species, such as ivy vine. Removing it from the forest, I weave it into nests, a symbol of shelter and protection. Once each sculpture is dried, they are then tucked safely back into the trees. My intent is to raise awareness to the fact that invasive, plant species have contributed to a huge decline in the diversity of our indigenous plants, endangering our native species.

'forest weavings' Barbara De Pirro

On view now at,

Matzke Gallery & Sculpture Park
2345 Blanche Way
Camano Island, WA
360.387.2759

'forest weavings' Barbara De Pirro

This piece was also created with invasive plant species (ivy vines, scotch broom), waste wood (tree pruning’s) woven into reclaimed plastic shellfish mesh.

More information HERE
More images HERE

'forest weavings' at Carkeek Park

2011-07-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Trees whipped and tattered from the winter storms

leaving behind branches, lying broken, seemingly forgotten,

a woody web on the forest floor.

A warm air breezes in, a breath of new life

reaching for the sky, the fallen twigs collectively gather,

like a loom weaving in the wind,

rhythmic patterns form an interlocking mesh,

gently wrapping its protective shawl,

around and between the trees.

art playfully dances with nature.

I've been exploring art created with invasive plant species (ivy vines, scotch broom) as well as, waste wood (apple tree pruning’s, broken branches)

My alternative to burning!

All of this is woven into scraps of reclaimed plastic shellfish mesh that washes up on my beach.

On exhibit now at Carkeek Park, Seattle, WA

'Heaven and Earth 3'

Curated by CoCA Seattle.

July 9 - October 10

For more information & a printable map,

HERE

'forest weavings' was funded in part by CoCA Seattle.

Special thanks to Antonia De Pirro, Ashlynn Hamlin, Beth De Pirro & Marilyn Innes.

'flora plastica…the next incarnation'

2011-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

'flora plastica' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

Re-installed into its secondary location, 'flora' takes on a different role, this time a magical gateway into the third level of TAM.

'flora plastica' Barbara De Pirro

This site specific sculpture was created using over 2,000 recycled plastic bags. The bags were contributed by the local community, collected over the past several years. All of the bags were used in their raw state, no dyes or paints were applied, the color is the actual hue of the bag. Each bag was cut into 2 inch strips, creating a synthetic fiber that was then crocheted into the
various plant and flower forms.

'flora plastica' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

'flora plastica' was commissioned by Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Garden Club.

in the studio: 'flora plastica'

2011-06-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

'flora plastica' Barbara De Pirro

Since last November, I’ve been madly crocheting through mind-boggling mountains of brilliantly, colored plastic bags. Averaging about 6-8 hours a day, hundreds ...eeek nearly two thousand hours...crocheting through the same number of bags. My challenge was to transform this invasive, synthetic material into a floral extravaganza, titled ‘flora plastica’*.

This site-specific sculpture will initially be suspended within the Tacoma Art Museum's entry atrium in celebration of ‘Flora & Fine Art’. In the lobby for a month, then mid July it will be re-installed, settling into a new space also within the Museum.

'flora plastica' (in process) Barbara De Pirro

I arrived at the museum with 4 five gallon containers packed full of the completed sculpture and 2 large 're-useable' bags stuffed with all finishing materials and tools. The museum was closed to the general public which allowed me the space to spill out onto the lobby floor.

'flora plastica' (in process) Barbara De Pirro

Although the initial installation would be suspended 14 feet across the museums entry atrium, after 1 month, it would re-installed into a secondary spot....details to be determined. Keeping this in mind, I designed it in strands or individual components. This would allow it to take on various forms, adapting to different situations.

'flora plastica' (in process) Barbara De Pirro

These individual strands were threaded onto 1/8" airplane cable, able to securely withstand its full weight. If you look closely you can see that between each strand I strung a 1/4" bead to help maintain spacing even after gravity had its time to play.

'flora plastica' (in process) Barbara De Pirro

Centering the piece within the 14 foot span, each side was finished off with vine, leaves, pods and bee hives.

Special thanks to Museum Preparators

Cyrus Smith and Jeremy Mangan

It took all three of us to hoist it onto the lift

and four art 'Genies' to install !!

'flora plastica' Barbara De Pirro

Special thanks to Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Garden Club

…and of course, all my friends & family for providing me with this plastic abundance and for all your fantastic support!

*'flora plastica' was commissioned by Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Garden Club.

'flora plastica' coming to Tacoma Art Museum

2011-05-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

'flora plastica' photo abstraction Barbara De Pirro

Since last November, I’ve been madly crocheting through mind-boggling mountains of brilliantly, colored plastic bags. My challenge has been to transform this invasive, synthetic material into a floral extravaganza, titled, ‘flora plastica’*.

This site-specific sculpture will initially be suspended above the museums lobby in celebration of ‘Flora & Fine Art’. Then come July it will be re-installed, settling into a new space within the Museum.

*Funding for 'flora plastica' was made possible in part by Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Garden Club.

Special thanks to all my friends & family for providing me with this plastic abundance and for all your fantastic support!

Flora & Fine Arts

June 10–12

Artwork from Tacoma Art Museum’s permanent collection serves as inspiration for floral arrangements created by local designers in Flora & Fine Arts on June 11 and 12. This special, one-weekend-only exhibition showcases nearly three dozen floral designs exhibited with the iconic works of Northwest art that sparked the floral artists.

In partnership with Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Garden Club invited prominent Puget Sound designers and members of the Garden Club to create dazzling floral arrangements inspired by the colors, textures, and compositions of the art.

“Showcasing art in a new and exciting ways while showcasing local, talented designers is an opportunity for the museum to connect people through art in unexpected ways,” said Stephanie A. Stebich, Director of Tacoma Art Museum. “Flora & Fine Arts is a wonderful example of how art can inspire us in unexpected ways.”

This exhibition has been inspired by similar events at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the de Young Museum in San Francisco, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The exhibition will also include a site-specific installation titled 'Flora Plastica' * by Barbara De Pirro created from an array of brilliantly colored, recycled, plastic shopping bags.

Flora and Fine Arts also includes a special exhibition preview on Friday, June 10, as well as the Spring into Summer Garden Festival on Saturday, June 11. This family festival will feature workshops, hands-on art-making activities, and lectures by notable garden experts Ed Hume and Valarie Easton.

‘Circles'

2011-05-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

'Artistic interpretations of this universal shape’

A group show of over 50 regional artists, curated by Charlotte Beall, hosted by ERA Living.

I will be showing a combination of both my paintings and sculptures.

June 13 – Oct. 16

University House Wallingford

4400 Stone Way North, Seattle

in the studio: roots & vines

2011-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

.....taking inspiration from natures invasive ivy vines strangling and rooting into this grand old tree, I've recreated this in my recent sculptures and installations, both outside & in.

'roots & vines: plastica' Barbara De Pirro

2010 Carkeek Park, curated by CoCA Seattle

'roots & vines: plastica' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

2010 Carkeek Park, curated by CoCA Seattle

'roots & vines: plastica' Barbara De Pirro

Matzke Sculpture Park, Camano Island, WA

(Funding for 'roots &vines:plastica' was made possible by
Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) and CoCA Seattle)

'roots & vines' Barbara De Pirro

crocheted fiber encapsulated in acrylic, reinforced with steel and wood

more images here

Spring on Camano

2011-04-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

'pollinate' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted fiber, encapsulated in acrylic)

'conifer' (detail) Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted fiber, encapsulated in acrylic, reinforced w/steel)

Then on beautiful Camano Island
at
Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park

I’m introducing two new sculptures, ‘conifer’ and ‘pollinate’,
crocheted fiber, encapsulated in acrylic.

May 6 - June 19

‘Play with Hot & Cold’

While you're there be sure to check out my 3 outdoor installations,'vine, flow & root plastica'. *

more images here

MATZKE FINE ART GALLERY AND SCULPTURE PARK
2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island, Wa.

http://www.matzkefineart.com/

Open weekends 11am-5pm,

weekdays by appointment 360-387-2759

* Funding for 'vine, flow & root plastica' was made possible by Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

Art Auction at Matzke Fine Art Gallery

2011-04-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

'sprig' Barbara De Pirro

(acrylic on wood)

The 2nd Annual Live

ART AUCTION FOR THE ARTISTS

Invitational

April 23rd, 2011 (saturday) PARTY starting at 4:00. Seventy five pieces of fine art (all mediums) will be auctioned. A $ 20. per person registration fee auction night. The Auction starts promptly at 6pm. Preview the art work April 16th,17th and 23rd, 11 to 5pm

Matzke Fine Art Gallery

2345 Blanche Way,

Camano Island, WA

360-387-1239 or 360-387-2759

http://www.matzkefineart.com/

While you're there be sure & check out the sculpture park!

in the studio: ice, honey, amber

2011-03-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

What begins as a humble disc of ice precariously balanced

within the branches of an apple tree,

translates into this unexpected sculptural detail

representing ice, honey or amber.

'fractured' Barbara De Pirro

(acrylic encapsulated styrene & steel)

'unearthed' Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted fiber encapsulated in acrylic & steel)

H'Arts Benefit Auction

2011-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

'fruttosio' Barbara De Pirro

H'Arts 2011

Helping the Arts Benefit Auction

February 26, 5-10:00 PM

Schack Art Center

http://www.schack.org

(425) 259-5050

reflections......

2011-01-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

'kelp plastica' Deception Pass on-site Barbara De Pirro

reflections on the last decade & beyond

meander here....

'vortex plastica' - Spaceworks Tacoma

2011-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

'vortex plastica' Barbara De Pirro
(photo credit: Duncan Price)

'...With its expert use of garden-fresh color (the expanse of recycled bottlecaps is mindful of a field of blooming flowers), the art piece has the power to attract, delight, surprise and repel (when it is discovered what the material is), in short order. No wonder – like a figment from a nightmare, vortex plastica was inspired by the North Pacific Gyre, which carries an enormous and deadly “garbage patch” of plastics and refuse that is perpetually locked in its ocean currents....'
Lisa Kinoshita, Spaceworks Tacoma

Installation runs through February 28, 2011

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

'vortex plastica' Barbara De Pirro

(photo credit: Duncan Price)

Studio Tour - Art at Work Tacoma

2010-11-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

'unearth I' Barbara De Pirro
crocheted fiber, acrylic & steel

Exhibiting my interior sculptures, fossilized forms unearthed and unleashed…

November 6 & 7 (Sat. & Sun)

10-4 PM

Location: Court C Studios, 705 Opera Alley (Court C), Tacoma
(studio # 26)

For a map and information about all of the artists, www.ArtAtWorkTacoma.com

'fractured' Barbara De Pirro
acrylic, styrene & steel

'outsider/insider' - CoCA Seattle

2010-11-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

'vine plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted plastic bags, temporary installation, over 500 tan bags)

November 4 - 30, 2010

CoCA Pioneer Square

310 First Ave. S. Seattle

The former Elliot Bay Bookstore is transformed into an environment of outdoor artworks from the 2010 exhibitions. Outdoor Sculptures from Carkeek Park and Cougar Mountain come indoors to play. http://www.cocaseattle.org/

'vine plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro
(crocheted plastic bags, temporary installation, over 500 tan bags)

For a glimpse of the outdoor installations of this work:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html
http://depirro.blogspot.com/2010/06/heaven-and-earth-ii.html
http://depirro.blogspot.com/2010/07/overgrowth-and-understory.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

'vortex plastica' - Spaceworks Tacoma

2010-10-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

'vortex plastica' Barbara De Pirro

Pulled from a vast resource of materials this sculptural installation was created using ‘hundreds’ of reclaimed plastic bags, bottles and caps,
tirelessly crocheted, woven, wired and tied
to form a series of metaphorical vortexes.

'vortex plastica' Barbara De Pirro

‘The inspiration behind the piece is a dire one:

it has the power to attract, delight, surprise and repel (when it is discovered what the material is), in short order. No wonder – like a figment from a nightmare, vortex plastica was inspired by the North Pacific Gyre, which carries an enormous and deadly “garbage patch” of plastics and refuse that is perpetually locked in its ocean currents.

The gyre’s huge, floating island of man-made debris, mostly plastics, is an environmental catastrophe for marine and bird
as well as human life.’*

On view at

Spaceworks Tacoma

912 Broadway
(directly across from the Pantages Theatre)

Through February 2011, all hours

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

Spaceworks Tacoma is a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma, Shunpike, and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce

Funding for this project was made possible in part by Spaceworks Tacoma and Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

Special thanks to
Antonia Xavie De Pirro & Phil Griffen for your assistance
* Lisa Kinoshita - Arts Writer, Spaceworks Tacoma

Matzke Gallery and Sculpture Park

2010-08-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

'flow plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted plastic packaging temporarily inset into nature
over 200 balls, over 200 bags)

'vine plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro
(crocheted plastic bags temporarily inset into nature
over 100 ft. long, over 2000 tan bags inside & out)

'Camano Honors Earth'
Environmental Art Exhibition and Event
Exploring our relationship with Nature

Sept. 11 - Oct. 10, 2010

Outdoor Sculptures installed through August 2011

Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park

2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island, WA

www.matzkefineart.com

360-387-2759

50 Participating Artists: Courteney Bomgardner, Barbara De Pirro, Jack Gunter, Aaron Haba, Steven Heino, Ella Hope, R. Allen Jensen, James Lapp, Karla Matzke, Colin Reedy, Patricia Resseguie, Steve Stushek, Susan Cohen Thompson, Els VandeEnde, Veruska Vagen, Ruth Westra, Hiroshi Yamano

Sponsored by: Camano Action for a Rural Environment

'root plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro

(crocheted plastic bags temporarily inset into nature, over 500 tan bags)

In the gallery:

'unearth I'
plastic fiber, acrylic & steel

'unearth II'
plastic fiber, acrylic & steel

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com

Funding for this project was made possible in part by Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

'sprout plastica' - CoCA Seattle

2010-07-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

'sprout plastica' Barbara De Pirro
(plastic fiber, petals, twigs & steel)

Unassumingly,
from beneath the rubble,
what appears to be….a barren landscape,
a seed trembles on the wind,
landing lightly on the moist surface.
Encouraged and nourished by rain,
its hard shell releases, attaching roots,
tenderly a shoot forms,
slowly reaching upwards
towards the radiant sky.
At first a single sprout
standing alone
and then another,
multiplying into a series of spires,
new life begins again.

'sprout plastica' Barbara De Pirro
(plastic fiber, petals, twigs & steel)

'sprout plastica' detail Barbara De Pirro
(plastic fiber, petals, twigs & steel)

'overgrowth & understory'

Sculpture Exhibit

Cougar Mountain Wildlands Park

July 10 - October 2, 2010

Curated by David Frances, CoCA Seattle

In a first-time collaboration with King County Parks, the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) will present “Overgrowth & Understory” an exhibition of temporary, outdoor sculptures on Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlands Park (Anti-Aircraft Peak & Sky Country Trailheads), from July 10 – October 2, 2010. The site-specific artwork addresses themes of art, nature, and land-use history.
Part of the experience involves short walks of 15 -20 minutes,
or longer hikes of up to 4 hours to connect the show in its entirety.

Fifteen artists from around the region will participate, coming from Vancouver BC, Camano Island, Shelton, Bellingham, Fife, and Oakland CA, as well as locally from Sammamish, Preston, and the Seattle area. Maps can be downloaded for free at CoCA’s website beginning July 10.
A catalog of this year’s exhibit will be released in August.

ARTISTS: Barbara De Pirro, Shannon Durbin, Miguel Edwards, Kristine Eudey, David Francis, Ray Freeman III, Aaron Haba, Magdalena Hill, David Kitts, Anette Lusher, Meadow Starts with ‘P’ (group), Sarah Savidge, Suzanne Tidwell, Catherine Thompson, Shirley Wiebe.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

Special thanks to Antonia Xavie De Pirro for her assistance!

Art of the Garden

2010-07-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

'sprig' Barbara De Pirro

The Arts Council of Snohomish County presents art of the Garden. Over fifty artists will showcase their work as part of this prolific offering of garden art, and art to bring the garden into the home.

July 8 - August 19

Arts Council of Snohomish County

1507 Wall St.

Everett, WA

(425)257-8380

http://www.artscouncilofsnoco.org/gallery.html

'roots & vines: plastica' - CoCA Seattle

2010-06-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

'roots & vines: plastica' Barbara De Pirro

(plastic fiber, cable & steel)

A mysterious unexpected form,

distant imagery,
familiar in an intimate way.

A web of fiber,

a tangle of forest vine,

exposed and twisted roots,

fibrous tendrils clinging to the surface,

enveloping the decaying wood,

humbly feeding off the unforgotten.

Natures cycle of decay and rebirth,

regeneration, renewal….life.

'roots & vines: plastica' details Barbara De Pirro

(plastic fiber, cable & steel)

'heaven and earth II'
Carkeek Park

Seattle, WA

June 26 – September 26, 2010

In collaboration with the Carkeek Park Advisory Council, the Associated Recreational Council and Seattle Parks and Recreation, CoCA presents the second annual exhibition of temporary, outdoor sculpture in Carkeek Park, organized around themes of art, nature and sustainability.

ARTISTS: Big Camera Group, Barbara DePirro, Miguel Edwards, Julie Fisco, Anette Lusher, Ingrid Lahti, Julie Lindell, Piper O'Neill, Eden Rivers, Sylwia Tur, Ken Turner, and Johnny Wooten.

Curated by David Francis, CoCA Seattle

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by CoCA Seattle and Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects (GAP).

'fungo plastica' - Port Angeles Fine Art Center

2010-06-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

'fungo plastica' Barbara De Pirro

(plastic fiber & steel)

'Petroleum-based nature blossoms in a grand old tree in the form of Barbara De Pirro’s Fungo Plastica. Made from recycled plastic grocery bags, stretched into beige yarns then crocheted into spheres of many sizes, ranging from a marble to a softball, they are arranged in cloned progressions and clusters like a parasitic invading life form, nestled into cavities and fissures in the gnarled and ruptured bark. ' *

Art Outside IX
Webster’s Woods Art Park

Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.

Port Angeles, WA

(360) 457-3532

Curated by Jake Senuik *

Art Outside is the program that has brought a singular open-air art collection to the former Webster Estate. The total number of artworks that have accumulated in Webster’s Woods Art Park since the inaugural 2000 season has crested at more than one hundred and twenty-five. While over the years many pieces have been returned to their creators or succumbed to the elements, the net presence of art in the park has grown steadily through gift,

entrenchment and extended loan.

One of the hallmarks of Art Outside has always been to strive for a balance between sculptural objects and site interventions, with both approaches highly sensitive to the natural environment. The five and a half acres of second-growth forest has been a friendly host to artists’ imaginations.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by Port Angeles Fine Art Center.

Museum of Northwest Art

2010-06-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

'strand' Barbara De Pirro

18th ANNUAL ART AUCTION

June 19, 2010

5-10 PM

Over 300 Donated Works of Art!

Join us for the Museum's largest annual fundraiser.....

The perfect event for both seasoned

and novice art Collectors!!!

Public Preview Hours: Friday, June 18, noon to 5 pm and Saturday, June 19, 11 am to 3 pm. Preview is free and open to the public.

Museum of Northwest Art

121 South First Street La Conner, WA

Tickets may be purchased by calling: 360.466.4446, ext. 109

'looped'

2010-05-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

'looped' Barbara De Pirro

(plastic fiber, acrylic & steel)

This sculpture along with four paintings will be a part of the Spring

exhibit, overlapping with the Camano studio tour.

May 1-June 5

Matzke Gallery & Sculpture Park

2345 Blanche Way

Camano Island, WA

360-387-1239 or 360-387-2759

http://www.matzkefineart.com/

for more information about the Camano Studio Tour

http://www.camanoarts.org/category/studio-tour-info/

in the studio: 'fractured'

2010-04-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

'fractured' detail Barbara De Pirro

'fractured' Barbara De Pirro

(fiber, marble dust, pigment, acrylic polymer, styrene & steel)

What will future generations find when they unearth our civilization?

in the studio: 'fragments'

2010-03-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

'fragments' Barbara De Pirro

Printmaking and collage are two techniques used in my current paintings. No found papers are used. I hand paint, block print, collograph & monotype textures & patterns onto the surface of both opaque and translucent papers, cutting and embedding imagery into multiple, transparent layers of acrylic. Achieving an effect very much like wax encaustic or fused glass.

Looking into my paintings is much like peering into a pool of water.

'fragments' detail Barbara De Pirro

'bloom' - Museum of Glass

2010-02-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

'bloom' Barbara De Pirro

a space to float, to daydream

an umbrella of whimsy

radiating light & a flush of color

pollinating creativity and ingenuity

awakening a childlike sense

of wonder, awareness
and awe

Museum of Glass
Art Studio

Tacoma, WA

This sculptural installation and its companion window pieces are created using recycled & re-imagined plastics.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html

H'Arts Benefit Auction

2010-01-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

'balance' Barbara De Pirro

The H’Arts “Helping the Arts” Benefit Auction is the Arts Council of Snohomish County’s primary fundraiser, providing nearly a third of the annual operating budget. H’Arts proceeds are crucial to the Arts Council’s ability to continue its mission of celebrating and promoting the arts for the enhancement of community life.

This premier Snohomish County art auction delivers an unforgettable evening of art, artists and animated auctioneering. More than 400 works of art donated by new artists and familiar favorites, as well as, a variety of art experiences, services and products will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Artwork includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photography, mixed media pieces, Japanese tansu design furniture, glass, pottery, jewelry and wearable art by noted regional artists.

February 27, 5-10 PM

Location:

Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Avenue (corner of Hewitt & Broadway)

For more info: 425-257-8380, http://www.artscouncilofsnoco.org/events/harts.html

Festivities Holiday Party & Trunk Show

2009-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

'nest' by Barbara De Pirro

Featuring my new sculptures, 'knots & nests'. Please come join us!

Friday, November 13th, 6-9 PM
Saturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15, regular store hours

Enjoy food, wine and live music while shopping for one-of-a kind items from amazing Northwest artists.

Special event pricing will be offered during the party, free door prizes for the first 20 to arrive, and a chance to win an amazing gift basket.

Participating artists include Barbara De Pirro, Carole Miguel, Dorthea King, Iris Guy, James Magetteri, Jerry Conrad, Merrilee Moore, Rita Speiser, Shiang-Yu Lee, and Tina Negri.

Festivities

111 Main Street, Edmonds, WA
(425)712-0342
info@festivitiesfinegifts.com, www.festivitiesfinegifts.com

Art at Work Tacoma

2009-11-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

recycled bottle cap wreath - Barbara De Pirro

Studio Tour
I’ll be a guest artist during Tacoma’s Art at Work Studio tour,
featuring some of my small paintings & ‘whimsical’ eco-sculptures.

November 7 & 8, 10-4 PM

Court C Studios
705 Court C / Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA

For more information: http://www.artatworktacoma.com

ART'S Alive!

2009-11-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

'sprig' - Barbara De Pirro

Invitational Art ExhibitionI will be exhibiting ten new paintings; revealing & concealing, pools of color, pattern & form.

November 6, 5-8 PM
November 7 & 8, 10-5 PM

Downtown La Conner, WA

For more information:
(360)466-4778, http://laconnerartsalive.org

Gal-aPalooza

2009-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

woven plastica detail-Barbara De Pirro

12th Annual Wearable Art Fair

Inspired by the invitation, I decided to create some NEW designs.....

I will be showing my 'wild & wacky' party 'hatlets'

& other 'eco-excessories' !
This is a very fun event, come out to play!

October 24, Saturday
10-5 PM

Arts Council of Snohomish County
1507 Wall Street, downtown Everett

http://www.artscouncilofsnoco.org/events/gno/galapalooza.html

ART BANK 2009

2009-09-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

'coupling' -Barbara De Pirro

New Additions: Portable Works in Mixed Media

Artist Reception:
Thursday, October 1, 2009
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Sound View Building
3602 Pacific Avenue, Suite 200
Tacoma, WA 98418

View the work of 15 Pierce County artists recently added to the Pierce County Art Bank collection of portable works. Artworks in the collection are installed in public spaces throughout Pierce County buildings with the goal to improve the quality of the work environment, support local artists, and increase awareness of the diversity of art production in the county. The Art Bank, part of the Public Art Program administered by Pierce County Arts & Cultural Services, serves our mission to bring art into the life of all Pierce County residents. More info: http://piercecountywa.org/pc/services/arts/arts.htm

2009-09-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

'nest:egg'-stone, steel & shadow-Barbara De Pirro

"Of Clocks and Crows"take flight!

Sept. 3 - Oct. 20, 2009

Opening Reception:
Sept. 3rd, 5-8pm

Time to take wing at the Arts Council with this thematic exhibit. Over fifty participating artists, working in a wide variety of mediums, let their imaginations fly to the muse of the clock and the crow.

The exhibit will open with a “Meet the Artists” reception on Thursday, September 3rd. Paul Ninehouse, maker and player of Native American flutes, will perform from 5-8pm opening night. Ninehouse has made and played his flutes for 15 years. His flutes have a distinctive style which follow the Lakota spiritual way. His songs are improvisational using the spirit of the moment and place in which he is playing.

Arts Council of Snohomish County
1507 Wall Street, Everett, WA
(425)257-8380http://www.artscouncilofsnoco.org/

'heaven & earth' site check surprise!

2009-08-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

'fungo plastica' Barbara De Pirro

'vine plastica' Barbara De Pirro

'fungo plastica'-detail Barbara De Pirro

On my last site check, I noticed that the 'urban raccoons' played a bit-o-mischief upon one of my sculptures in the orchard.... soooo, this time, I replaced some of the plasti-fiber balls with apples...those that had fallen not far from the tree.

I also re-attached the vine plastica, honoring of course, the small addition created by visitors. I kind of like these versions!

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html

'heaven & earth' Book Release Party

2009-08-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

'lichen plastica'-recycled plastic milk jugs-Barbara De Pirro

The ‘Heaven & Earth’ exhibit, Book Release Party is planned for this Saturday, August 8, at CoCA's Ballard Gallery, 6413 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle

7:00p - 9:30 PM.

Come join us if you can!

Proctor Arts Fest

2009-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Proctor Arts Fest

13th Annual !

Saturday, August 1, 10-6 PM
in the historic Proctor District
N. 26th & Proctor, Tacoma, WA

http://www.proctorartsfest.com/

I’ll be showing my eco-art bags, baskets & hats ….. joining me is Tacoma artist extraordinaire, Lynne Farren !

PONCHO Invitational

2009-07-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

'harmony'-acrylic on wood-Barbara De Pirro

Grow ART
The 8th Annual PONCHO Invitational Fine Art Auction

Saturday, October 3, 2009, 5:00pm
at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel
1400 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101

For public viewing:

Aug 13-15 and Aug 20-22
Open to the public Noon - 6:00pm
at Western Bridge
3412 4th Ave South (at S. Hinds St)
Seattle, WA 98104

http://www.poncho.org/artauction.shtml

Please join PONCHO as we nurture the region’s artistic roots, support the branches of our cultural institutions, cultivate the blossoms of creativity, and assure a growing and sustainable arts community for generations to come.

The Invitational Fine Art Auction will bring over 800 art patrons, collectors, gallery owners and artists together for an exciting evening of fine dining, fine art, festive attire, and competitive bidding to raise vital funds needed to keep our world class arts community alive and thriving. Proceeds from this event will benefit local visual art, dance, music, and theatre organizations and their arts education outreach. Much as our patrons have come to expect, this will be the must-attend event of the year!

'women of texture'

2009-07-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

'fruttosio'-acrylic on wood-Barbara De Pirro

I'll be exhibiting my paintings at this upcoming show. The San Juan Islands.....a bit of a treck but a breathtaking place to go!

July 11 - September 6
opening reception: July 11, Saturday, 6-8 pm

Experience the texture and colors of hand picked Northwest artists: Barbara De Pirro, BJ Dollahite, Jocelyn Russell, Teri Jo Summer and ‘one man with flowers’, Kevin Roth.

Gallery San Juan
232 A st. #6, Friday Harbor, WA
360-378-1376, sanjuangallery@centurytel.net

'heaven & earth I' - CoCA Seattle

2009-07-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

'vine plastica'-recycled plastic bags-Barbara De Pirro

'fungo plastica'-recycled plastic bags-Barbara De Pirro

A sculptural installation at Carkeek Park, Seattle, WA.

For this project I created biomorphic sculptural forms that visually express my ecological concerns. Designs conceived in my daydreams of nature, constructed reusing non-natural, indestructible materials, and then carefully placed in the natural world where they can be investigated, contemplated then documented.
The element of surprise and unexpected discovery is an integral part of this vision. The viewer meanders unassumingly through the forest, takes pause….catching a glimpse of my work placed within the brush, tucked into a knot hole or twined around a branch or tree trunk. At first glance, they may blend into the landscape; lichen, fungus or vine, but at closer examination an unearthing of these other-worldly, timeless forms occurs.
The juxtaposition of this invasive, plastic material, transformed into organic forms, positioned in this natural setting continues to inspire and soothe me.
My desire is that this cycle of concept, creation and content continues to bring glints of illumination to the viewer, bringing a renewed appreciation, consciousness and environmental awareness.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by CoCA Seattle

'heaven & earth' - CoCA Seattle

2009-05-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with the Carkeek Park Advisory Council, Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Department of Neighborhoods, and the Associated Recreational Council, CoCA will present an exhibition of temporary, outdoor sculptural installations in Carkeek Park organized around the theme of “Heaven and Earth,” from June 27 - August 10, 2009.

The sponsors asked artists for their interpretations of art and nature in a world of change.

Our parks are implicitly havens (“heavens”) where we go to relax, recreate, and, in Carkeek's case especially, walk through the woods. Carkeek is widely considered one of Seattle's premier urban forests...Sunset Magazine recently named it #3 among America's top 10 urban parks.

The artwork will be constructed of primarily natural materials and are designed to have minimal impact on the park -- either decomposing organically, leaving “no trace” -- or, when removed at the end of the display period, leaving the park in essentially the same condition it was prior to installation.

Opening Reception:

There will be a reception for the artists on Saturday, June 27, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center in Carkeek Park, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd. Entry and parking are free. This reception coincides with the celebration of the park's 80th birthday, which begins at 1:00 p.m.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by CoCA Seattle

Communing With Nature

2009-05-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

photo credit: Barbara De Pirro

The sights and sounds of summer are upon us and its a great time to stretch your imagination and seek inspiration from elements in nature. In celebration of the season, we are holding a workshop on summer container design and art from everyday items. Hosted by our very own Master Gardener, Susan Denley and eco-friendly artist Barbara De Pirro, this workshop offers great ideas on how to renew, restore and rediscover the beauty all around us.

Where: Festivities Fine Gifts, 111 Main Street, Edmonds, WA
When: Saturday, June 13th
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Note: Door prizes, first 15 to arrive
WIN a featured container

If you would like to attend this workshop, email us at info@festivitiesfinegifts.com or call the store at (425) 712-0342 to RSVP.

Museum of Northwest Art

2009-05-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

'scatter'-acrylic on wood-Barbara De Pirro

17th ANNUAL ART AUCTION
June 20, 2009

Join us for the Museum's largest annual fundraiser.....
The perfect event for both seasoned
and novice art Collectors!!!

Our Art Auction features over 300 works by painters, printmakers, sculptors, glass artists, ceramic artists, jewelers, textile artists, and photographers.

Museum of Northwest Art
121 South First Street La Conner, WA

Tickets may be purchased by calling: 360.466.4446, ext. 109

The Mathematics of Art

2009-05-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

'string theory:unraveled'-recycled plastic bags-Barbara De Pirro

‘For some art forms math plays an integral part in the method of creating, intriguingly, most art may later be defined within mathematical terms, but for me, the actual conceptual and creative process is very organic and intuitive. Inspired by the theme, ‘the mathematics of art’, I researched various mathematical theories, philosophies and terminology, from that evolved my inspiration. My three sculptural pieces, ‘chaos: order’, infinity:mobius’

and ‘string theory:unraveled’ are all abstract interpretations of my

intellectual journey.’

May 7 - June 25

Arts Council of Snohomish County - Monte Cristo Gallery
1507 Wall St., Everett, WA, (425)257-8380www.artscouncilofsnoco.org

This exhibit showcases the interplay of math and art through the imagination of artists. Over two dozen artists have created patterned prints, quilts, collages, glass, sculptures, tessellations, perspective drawings and more. Gallery signage will include how math was applied, used or incorporated into the artwork.

During the exhibit over 2,500 children will share this rich multi-sensory experience with an art docent and work with artists to create their own art. The kids will come away with basic design principles, such as balance, repetition, and variety. They will explore the art elements of shape, line, color, texture and their connections with math. The field trips are made possible by co-sponsors: Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Boeing Company, Target, Inc. and H’Arts Patrons.

'plastic & light' - Museum of Glass

2009-05-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA

January/February 2009

Inspired by the Science of Art unit Art of Light, resident artist Barbara De Pirro created this sculptural installation using light and recycled plastics to create an “under the sea” environment. She gathered, cleaned, cut and recreated over 500 plastic bottles, re-imagining the materials into sea chandeliers, foam, kelp and grass. “Each visitor, in the process of creating their own light sculpture, gained an understanding of lights affect on various surfaces, transparent, translucent, opaque, then discovering how shadows become part of the art. All of this, directly translating into a renewed understanding and appreciation of all art, including a new amazement for the art of glass.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html