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Beyond the Reef.

A series of gold and turquoise images.

"Beyond the Reef" is revealing a world beneath the silent surface. Three titles; "Keepers of the Promise," "Cannon Patch," and, "Hidden Places" have been the standard of The Barry Barnett Collection and are near closeout. Now they are joined by Barry Barnett's newest release, "Sabalo Pass." This title is a limited edition of 400 and is the sister print to "Hidden Places." "Cannon Patch" was the result of four dives on that shallow reef. Accompanied by his brother, Captain Ron, on previous dives, Barry found himself without his brother as his safety diver on this last dive. Captain Ron has pulled his brother from quicksand on freshwater dives and backed off sharks while Barry took photos, measured cannons and sketched beneath ocean waves. This last dive, however, found Barry in the company of an experienced female reef diver. With the Zodiac at anchor and riding six-foot seas, the two divers found themselves being picked up and slammed against the reef floor by tidal surges. The artist motioned to his partner to hold down his plastic slate as he sketched with grease pencil. She found the tidal surges overpowering. Additional weight belts did nothing to stabilize the situation so she ran her leg beneath a thirty pounder. The next tidal surge picked the two divers up again and ripped her leg on the coral that grew on that enormous cannon. The dive continued with the artist stuffing his color pencils in a hole in the reef next to him until needed only to have a grayfish push them out again and again. The pencils would float to the surface with the artist in close pursuit. The rough seas exhausted both divers but the day ended with success. The artist's partner removed her dive skin and revealed the cuts on her leg. They were her badge of honor and witness to the depth of her professionalism. The results of those dives produced an original painting in the artist's studio from the underwater sketches and photos. Fine art reproductions are now a part of the military collections in England and Canada, The Foundation for Social Invention in Moscow, Russia, as well as the collections of the U.S. Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. After it's completion, then Governor Bob Martinez and members of the Florida Cabinet added their signatures to a remarqued print which was presented to the officers of Her Majesty's Ship, HMS Birmingham. It was a symbolic return of the 17th century frigate and her crew to England. In March of 1996, Barry was invited with his host, Lt. Col. William Tonkins, for lunch by the Commander of the Royal Naval base, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, England. That evening, Barry was the guest of the officers of Bisster Garrison for a regimental dinner. The General and fellow officers attending graciously received a remarqued print of "On Silent Wing." It was presented to the regiment by Mr. Barnett who had also secured the signature of President George Bush on this remarque. The four dives and painting of "Cannon Patch" have proven to be an on-going work dedicated to the environment and humanity. It has opened many doors and still serves as one of Mr. Barnett's capital works. "Keepers of the Promise" is a story unto itself. The seven bottle-nosed dolphin represent the perfect number for God. Seven. The statue of Christ was placed on the reef off Key Largo to remember those who have died at sea. The dolphins are the keepers of the promise of resurrection. This print best exemplifies the work and life of Barry Barnett. This is a story of humanitarian and environmental interest and contribution. More on this story in a future edition of "Barry's Fishwrapper." Twenty-five remarqued prints of "Keepers of the Promise" helped to acquire over $85,000.00 for one church school while another ten raised $10,000.00 for another church need. This is a story of loaves and fishes. "Keepers of the Promise" is based on an actual dive sight in the Florida Keys as is "Cannon Patch." While "Hidden Places" and "Sabalo Pass" are based on pervious dive experiences, they capture a world within Mr. Barnett's imagination. Whether real or imagined, share Barry's underwater realm mixed in the colors of life and light with thousands of fine art collectors that have gone...Beyond the Reef. With remarqued prints of "Cannon Patch" sold-out and now valued at $6,000.00 each, we find that there are less than 200 each of "Cannon Patch" and "Hidden Places" that are signed and numbered fine art reproductions. "Keepers of the Promise" has 8 or less signed and numbered prints available before it is sold-out. Remarqued prints of "Keepers of the Promise" have sold out and are also valued at $6,000.00. While these titles were a limited edition of 1000, "Sabalo Pass" is running close behind. Cast off and join Barry "Beyond the Reef."