Curated by Chantal Barlow

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Chantal Barlow is an internationally collected Abstract Artist. Working exclusively on wood, Chantal visually translates her organic connection to the enormity of nature in each piece. Often reminiscent of aerial views of the Earth’s topography and celestial images of the universe, Chantal’s artwork allows the viewer to physically experience intangible worlds and skies. Her pieces appear untouched by human hands due to the innate fluidity intrinsic to her body of work.



Chantal’s interpretation of this life is heavily influenced by her multi-cultured upbringing. Her Portuguese and African American parents exposed her to extensive world travels and bred her vast interests and love for the humanities, cultures, art and nature. These cultures are reflected in each painting in various ways from color palates and textures to artwork titles. Seeing a Chantal Barlow piece gives the viewer a glimpse into her seamless connection between her artful soul and the physical world. This genuine intimacy makes Chantal’s work unique and timeless.



"Creating is an opportunity to process life. I let my daily experiences pass through me onto a forever-preserved medium. When you look at my paintings, you are seeing the remnants of my experience: my emotional state, my physical environment, music I am listening to and the weather. I can look at every painting and remember the sacred space that allowed each piece to come to fruition. I don’t paint because I want to, I paint because I have to.”

Artist Statement:

I let the environment inspire me without letting it interrupt my process. The ebb and flow of my surroundings leaves an energy imprint, which is visualized when I create. As I relinquish control, the wood and paint make decisions for me. In this sense, painting allows me to be irresponsible. I am detached from social expectations, opinions, and interpretations; this is a “think-less” experience.

Objects that are taken for granted inspire me. I prefer wood that has been discarded due to characteristics that are viewed as abnormalities (knots in the wood, uneven texture). How it feels, smells, and its consumption of paint due to its porous nature, provides character and versatility that allows for a unique painting process each time I create.

I use acrylic paint and wood stain to enhance texture seen in items that have been cast aside or overlooked in the environment. I bring what has been abandoned to the forefront; the background becomes the focus. I use each component to translate what has inspired me, creating what appears to be an abstract work, when in reality it is an accurate representation of the feelings I discovered in my surroundings.

• Total Items: 34

Categories: Photography, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Mixed Media