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The Slow Art of Creation: Lianne Barnes on Sculpting Feminine Identity

“My work is abstract, but you can feel the hand movements, the dancing, the human forms in motion.”

Lianne Barnes' artistic journey has been anything but linear, weaving through the fast-paced world of fashion, the introspection of painting and photography, and finally landing in the tactile, contemplative realm of sculpture

A graduate of FIT in 1984 with a specialization in knitwear, Lianne began her career designing garments that embodied simple elegance and craftsmanship. Her eponymous line, Lianne Barnes Knitwear, laid the foundation for what would later become Velvet, a brand synonymous with laid-back luxury.

Despite her success in fashion, Lianne sought a slower, more intentional creative outlet. "The pace of fashion can take the passion out of your work," she explains. Returning to school to study painting and photography, she ultimately found her voice in sculpture—a medium that allowed her to explore themes of femininity, life, and rebirth in profound ways.

“My work is abstract, but you can feel the hand movements, the dancing, the human forms in motion.”-Desktop “My work is abstract, but you can feel the hand movements, the dancing, the human forms in motion.”-Mobile
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Sculpting the Female Form

Lianne’s sculptures are deeply personal, evoking movement, emotion, and the essence of womanhood. “I grew up in the age of Antonio [Lopez],” she says, referencing the iconic illustrator known for his expressive lines. “My work is abstract, but you can feel the hand movements, the dancing, the human forms in motion.” While her pieces touch on themes of sensuality, they eschew overt eroticism, leaning instead into the subtle power of the female form.

Her piece Sanctum, for example, resembles a womb—a sanctuary where one feels compelled to retreat and find solace. Other works explore ideas of birth and rebirth, using forms like broken shells and abstracted female anatomy to represent life’s cyclical nature. “I love the imperfection of broken shells,” she shares. “They show themselves to me, revealing their strength and beauty in their flaws.”

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Rooted in the Land, Grounded in Life

Beyond her studio, Lianne's life is deeply connected to the land. She and her family have owned a cattle ranch is Santa Ynez for 30 years, where they grow hay, have vineyards and farm and mill the organic brand Inez Olive Oil. Inez Olive Oil can be found at select Velvet locations, including New York, Brentwood and San Francisco. “I’m very old school,” she says. “Family, children, and home are at the core of everything I do.” The barn she built with her family stands as a testament to their shared dedication and creativity.

This groundedness extends to her personal style. Lianne describes her wardrobe as casual and practical, with a love for timeless basics like white tees, jeans, and statement jackets. “I wear a lot of Velvet,” she laughs. “It’s just the easiest way of dressing.”

“I’m very old school,” she says. “Family, children, and home are at the core of everything I do.”

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A person wearing the CALABASAS SILK CHARMEUSE BLOUSE by Velvet by Jenny Graham, paired with black pants, stands against a plain background, showcasing an elegant drape.

calabasas silk charmeuse blouse

$375.00
$375.00
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Against a plain background, a person is standing in the MARIPOSA PANT by Velvet by Jenny Graham, featuring a white blouse and black, soft suiting fabric with flared legs.

mariposa pant

$251.00
$251.00
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A person wearing the WILSHIRE SWEATER by Velvet by Jenny Graham, masterfully woven from a luxurious wool-yak blend in gray cable-knit, pairs it elegantly with blue jeans and stands against a plain background.

wilshire sweater

$313.00
$313.00
A woman dressed in a navy shirt, Velvet by Jenny Graham's VENTURA PANT featuring wide-leg beige slacks with slash pockets, and accessorized with red shoes and a red scarf stands in a modern room, highlighted by the striking circular sculpture behind her.

ventura pant

$228.00
$228.00

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