BYU NewsNet - Alumna artist returns for Women’s Conference with new works

An outpouring of serene color and originality await viewers of a new painting entitled “Presence” created by a BYU alumna, on display for Women’s Conference this year.

Graduating from BYU with a master’s degree in Fine Arts in 2000, Cassandra Christensen Barney has nine years of professional experience with artwork displayed in London, Canada and all over the U.S. She occasionally teaches a lecture course on the business aspect of art at BYU.

“I want students to know the business workload of being an artist; it’s not just a romantic ideal,” Barney said. “I have a publisher with many demands.”

To keep her publisher

happy, Barney said she must respond to e-mails daily, update her blogs and occasionally travel. As a wife and mother of three girls, she juggles her artistic success with family. She attributes her success as an artist to her ability to incorporate her art into her lifestyle.

“You have to consistently work with your life; don’t separate it,” Barney said. “Have things work together.”

Family is a major part of Barney’s life. Her father, James Christensen, is a well known artist and former BYU professor. She makes a conscious effort to have her children feel comfortable in the art studio at home. Her sister, Emily McPhie, is a fellow artist who looks to Barney for advice.

“It’s nice to call her and get the mother and women’s perspective on being an artist,” McPhie said. “That perspective enhances our art. We juggle children and families, have the drive for success, and really lean on each other.”

Barney created two new pieces for Women’s Conference this year, “Presence” and “Solace.” She took the theme of the conference, Strength in the Lord, and used that as her inspiration for her work. Barney said she thought about the theme for a while before she began painting. She chose to incorporate classic Christian symbols that she learned from her father and personal symbols from her life into the two paintings.

“I wanted to illustrate the idea [of the theme] and then personalize it,” Barney said.

“Presence” and “Solace” are pictures of women with symbolism in the flowers, fruit, background and color.

“Her subject matter is very inviting,” said Richard Hull, a professor at BYU. “She has delightful interpretations with a warm, charming side.”

Barney will be on the third floor of the Wilkinson Student Center signing artwork today from 10 a.m to 2 p.m and 3 p.m to 6 p.m.