T Barny
I built my first “sculptures” as sandcastles on the beach - they had early hints of the abstract forms I’ve spent my life exploring.
Over the past 45 years I’ve worked in many materials, but I always return to stone, the oldest and most expressive medium of all.
I also transform some of my favorite stone pieces into bronze and stainless sculptures which blend hand-carved artistry with modern technology.
Stone
I carve directly from the stone, letting its natural rhythms shape each piece; no models, no sketchbook ideas. I select stone from quarries worldwide, from granite and marble to over 200 unique varieties.
Abstraction drives my work, and power tools help me shape both form and negative space, creating sculptures that carry the energy and spirit of the stone itself.
Bronze & Stainless
My limited edition metal sculptures begin as molds or scans taken directly from my original stone carvings. This preserves the integrity and spirit of each stone sculpture as it transforms into metal.
In college, I discovered a love for patinas. I experimented with colors and finishes until each one felt alive. Today, I use four unique, hand-applied patinas, making every bronze edition truly one-of-a-kind. The surface of my stainless pieces reflect the environment in which they are placed.
Relationships with collectors have been an important aspect of T Barny’s success. Bert and Linda began collecting T Barny sculptures in the early years of T Barny’s career. “I was maybe 22 when I saw his work at his studio,” recalls Bert, “but I was young and couldn’t afford it at first. Now I own eight or nine pieces.” All Bert’s pieces are variations on T Barny’s signature mobius form. Bert adds: “I have pieces in wood, bronze and stone. They are all unique and extraordinarily beautiful. I don’t know how anyone can look at his work and not think he’s a genius.”
BERT & LINDA - PORTOLA VALLEY, CA