moira barker

Artist Statement

My work is a celebration of the color and playful spirit found in the natural world. Growing up in Humboldt County, my childhood was spent hiking through the redwood forests and playing or running on the chilly beaches. Today, I live and create in Aptos, California, where the coastal atmosphere and the trails of Nisene Marks State Park provide a constant, fresh source of inspiration for my glass practice.

This deep-rooted connection to the outdoors—forged through years of family mushroom hunting, gardening, and coastal exploration—serves as the primary heartbeat of my glass practice.
My mission is to translate the fleeting beauty of a garden into permanent, light-catching art that thrives in any environment, including snow and high heats. I specialize in kiln-fused glass, a process that allows me to layer color and texture to achieve a depth that mimics organic life. By utilizing a vitrograph kiln, I hand-pull my own millefiori beads, which I use to add whimsical detail to my pieces—whether it’s a tiny ladybug resting on a petal or a decorative accent on a mushroom cap.

Technique and material are central to my aesthetic. I create bold sunflowers, daffodils, and poppies reaching up to 14 inches wide. I use copper piping for stems, allowing the organic patina of the metal to complement the brilliance of the glass. To capture the way sunlight filters through a forest canopy, I incorporate dichroic glass to highlight bird wings and poppy centers, and use iridescent glass for ladybug spots that shimmer as the viewer moves past. My work ranges from "tie-dye" mushrooms created with glass powders to playful 5x5-inch hummingbirds designed to hover in planters.

Whether I am recreating the iconic red-and-white aesthetic of an Amanita mushroom or pulling custom millefiori for a daisy center, my goal is to bring joy and a smile. I strive to create heirloom-quality garden art that brings the vivid colors of spring into gardens year-round.