7 Minutes in Heaven with Patrick-Earl Barnes

Patrick-Earl Barnes began making art in 1989. He says he is a “self-taught artist who spent 25 years of [his] life preparing for the American dream and the next 17 years redefining it.” Working with acrylic, oil pastels, and collage, he creates works that show the character of America. Whether he’s painting pictures of kids selling candy, of artsy friends, or of bench-warmers, he portrays them with a little bit of humor and a lot of warmth.

His Poor Man’s Bible collection shows life in storefront churches. The pieces in this collection most often depict a pastor at the pulpit with a few members of the congregation around him. A cheeky Bible verse, such as “Building Fun from the Building Fund—Acts 5,” appears on the left of the paintings. Sometimes, though, they show stoic-looking ushers or doorkeepers.

I was walking down the street the other day and happened to recognize a piece of his art. It reminded me of the interview I’d done with him back in 2009, which now appears below.

Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
My Soul Mate

What book are you currently reading?
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey

What is your favorite time of day?
Early morning, like 3 a.m.

Where in New York is the closest place to your own personal Garden of Eden?
My studio

What’s on repeat on your iPod?
“I Say A Little Prayer” by Rahsaan Roland Kirk

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Nothing. God has already answered every question that He is willing to answer. All other answers I will find out for myself.

What message do you want people to take away from your art?
Art is how you think.

Stephanie Nikolopoulos writes the Church Hopping column and is the visual arts editor for Burnside Writers Collective.