Stu*Dio Projects by Stuart Bailey
The earliest hex stars had just a few colors. Then, in the 20th century, Pennsylvania barn stars became more of a tourist attraction. Tourists wanted to buy hexes to decorate their homes and farms. While earlier hexes had simple designs and few colors, with the advent of readily available paint colors, artists began to experiment with newer designs and shading.
Barn Hex
48″ diameter, wood and paint
This is my first large circular hex – I liked the vibrancy of the design combining water with the floral centerpiece. Green growth and rain, just what my backyard needed.
Center Star Hex
23″ diameter, wood and paint
This hex has a more modern design. If there can be such a thing as a modern design in the barn hex world. The first artist that I could find that made this style of center star was the famous barn star painter Milton Hill. He made many barn stars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I enjoyed the “movement” my eye saw in both the yellow/black star, and the shaded floral outer section.
Plain Red Star with Cog
30″ diameter, wood and paint
This was an effort to make a more basic barn hex star. With just 3 elements, this piece is a nice balance between too simple and a touch complex. The center star is the basic 6-pointed star. The yellow floral elements bring some bright color. Lastly, the out-facing cog border represents work done in the world. At times, I use the cog border with the cogs aimed in to represent more personal work.
Stu*Dio 