Barrie Cook

Born in Birmingham, in 1929, Cook served in the Army during World War II. He married Mary, in Birmingham in 1951 whilst a student at Birmingham College of Art (1949–1954). Cook began teaching immediately after leaving College. His final teaching post was at the University of Wales in Cardiff, he moved to Cornwall in 1992.[4]

Cook's influences include Rothko, Heron, Frost and Riley. He pioneered the use of air brushing as a painterly medium[5] and considers his paintings 'opportunity for meditation'.[6] Many paintings begin from photographs that capture play of light or movement. For example, work created whilst living in Cardiff was meant to represent the passing of car headlights through the well-lit area he lived in.[7] Many paintings are abstract patterns that could be considered 'Op Art' because of the hypnotising and disorienting effect they have on your eyesight. Cook often produces a series of works, one such was 'Continuum' 1967–1971 four paintings of which hung at the Serpentine Gallery forming an exhibition in 1988.[8]

Cook continues to work in his studio, a converted Chapel in Ruan Minor, Cornwall, every day. He will often re-visit older pieces experimenting with variations.

Artworks in notable collections: Government Art Collection Hot Rod, 1977 and No. 2 Untitled 1976[9] Tate Gallery Painting, 1970[10] Birmingham Gallery of Art Dean, 1977,[11]

MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) Wales is on until November 2015[12]

Cook is listed on the Cornwall Artist Index,[13] review of his last exhibition in London [14]

Cook and his wife Mary live in Mullion and have two children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. They are active members of the community taking part in local horticultural shows and supporting local establishments. Both their children are now retired; his daughter was a teacher specialising in play in primary school education and his son worked as a publisher.