From Studio to Stage: Lou-anne Barker on Art, Learning and Connection
Lou-anne Barker, a dedicated mature-age student at art school, has found her industry placement with Second Echo Ensemble (SEE) to be an incredibly enriching experience. Having been involved for several months now, Lou-anne shares how this opportunity has impacted both her artistic practice and her engagement with the community.
Lou-anne Barker constructs a sculptural head piece for Second Echo Ensemble’s The Adventures production.
Lou-anne’s journey into art began later in life. She reflects, “I’m 72, so I came to art school as a mature-age student. I went in retirement and did it slowly, part-time. That way I got more out of it because I put a lot into each semester.”
Over the years, she has explored a wide range of mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, performance, installation, and sculpture. “I probably did more drawing than anything, but I had a range of skills I could bring,” she says. This broad artistic foundation has helped her contribute meaningfully to the collaborative processes at SEE.
Her placement with SEE came after she saw a launch for the new production The Adventures of Peacock, Chicken and the Pony They Rode Upon at the end of last year. “I thought, oh, gee, that sounds fantastic what they’re doing,” she recalls. With encouragement from her university and from SEE’s Creative Director Kelly Drummond Cawthon, Lou-anne got involved, assisting with props, costume making and scenery, based on Dave Montgomery’s drawings, from the beginning of the year. “I’ve just loved it,” she says.
Currently, Lou-anne is working on making headdresses for the show’s cosmic universe theme. “They’re going to wear sort of spacesuits and Kelly said, ‘What about someone making headdresses like Lady Gaga’s spinning universe or solar system?’” she explains. “I said, yeah, I’ll give it a go.” She made the first one based on a somewhat rough YouTube clip and is now working on the second of three. “It’s really nice to see that I could make a bit of a contribution.”
SEE performer Annalise Haigh in rehearsal tries on the headdress built by Lou-anne Barker for The Adventures production.
Collaboration is central to her experience with SEE, and she has embraced the inclusive atmosphere wholeheartedly. “I’ve loved the whole collaborative process and the empowerment of all the participants,” she says. “It’s genuinely inclusive and genuinely respects all the talents that people bring.” Lou-anne highlights the diverse creative energy brought by artists like Dave Montgomery, SEE’s chief creative, whose drawings she admires, and others involved in videography, animation, dance, and choreography. “It’s a pleasure to be with the whole team. They are spontaneous, warm, and creative,” she adds.
She is particularly impressed by the way the company values each person’s input and refines the work until it reaches professional, world-class standards. “Kelly has a very professional standard for the company. It’s not just anything, they’re really top-notch, world-class shows,” Lou-anne notes. She also speaks highly of Relâche, another SEE production, praising the talented network of artists they collaborate with.
For Lou-anne, the creative process is deeply enriching. “Combined talents bring far more than the individual,” she reflects. “There’s something very enriching in seeing how ideas bounce off other ideas, then develop further and become better and better.” She appreciates the collaborative spirit, which contrasts with the more individualistic nature of much of society. “It’s refreshing to see this collaborative process where a whole team creates together, and everyone has an important role. No one needs to be the star, but people can also shine.”
Lou-anne finds it rewarding to witness the growth of fellow performers, noting how actors like Dave and Annalise blossom in the production and delight in their own development. “It’s lovely to see their talents come out and the joy they get from that.”
The hands-on, in-the-moment nature of the placement has made a significant impact on Lou-anne’s outlook. “It’s all very hands-on here, it’s real togetherness and relationships,” she says. She also sees the value in SEE’s long-term approach to working with artists, building trust and skills over time. “They continually upgrade their skills and develop trust with each other. There’s a lot of love and respect—it’s really quite beautiful.”
Lou-anne Barker constructs a sculptural head piece for Second Echo Ensemble’s The Adventures production.
Beyond her placement, Lou-anne has now chosen to volunteer with SEE, further deepening her involvement. She believes the experience will shape her future practice, especially her interest in collaboration. “I think I’ll be looking at some collaborative things in the future. I’ve been drawn to collaborative work. I’ll still try to do a little individual work, but collaboration is really powerful.”
She also reflects on the broader societal importance of such work. “We live in a world where social isolation is a big issue, partly because of screens and social media. Doing something hands-on and together is very important.”
Lou-anne’s journey with SEE has been a rewarding mix of learning, contribution, and connection. She sums it up by praising SEE’s professionalism and the genuine respect they have for everyone involved. “They give great opportunities, expect people to step up, and the work is incredible.”
Her placement and volunteering experience with SEE has truly enriched her practice and life, and she looks forward to continuing her creative journey with the ensemble and the broader community.
Tickets now available, visit The Adventures of Peacock, Chicken and the Pony They Rode Upon.
Interested in volunteering with Second Echo Ensemble. Learn more
Learn more about Lou-anne’s artwork
