Artist Statement written for 'A Study of Imaginary Chasms'

Originally from Sunderland, Ella Ray Barnes is currently studying her final year as an Illustration student at Leeds Arts University. She primarily work sixth graphic narratives using a range of media and techniques towards developing a personal practice and the artistic dialogue relating to both storytelling and local historical and socio-political themes. Recently, Barnes’ practice has gravitated towards explorations of colour, shape and pattern layout - particularly within a publishing context. Barnes had been particularly influenced by Saul Bass and Freidrich Hundertwasser’s techniques which initially informed her undergraduate dissertation focusing on deuteranopia colour blindness. She currently enjoys exploring the opportunities offered by different processes as a means of developing or changing the direction of her creative practice. However, composition is the most vital aspect of her work in general. Barnes aims to create images with clarity and purity to provoke emotion and unlock something relatable to other, as a way of connecting herself with the viewer.