Simon Barley
This man is Simon Barley, a spatial designer, climber and enthusiast for life. He is at the heart of Bambuco, an extraordinary group of installation artists who create huge bamboo structures around the world. The work is really in the building, as the magical team of rock climbers throw these dizzy, gauzy, earthy shapes skyward.
He is one of those people who remind us that life is about joy, surprise, sharing and acceptance of time and loss.
They are based in Natimuk, that tiny community of farmers, artists and rock climbers near the foot of Mount Arapiles in Western Victoria.
Simon died last Thursday. Simply collapsed and died.
I never met him, though he is known and loved by people who are important to me.
Sorry time.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Oh. What a dish, (tres sexy arms).
I thought as I read through the post that he looks a bit like my uncle, who, on Wednesday did same, (but not in Paris).
August 12th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Simon unfortunately did die suddenly, aged 50, but not in Paris. He died in Natimuk in Northern Victoria, Australia. Very sad times indeed for his family and large network of friends.
August 12th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
So sad.
(I worked with him about 20 years ago.)
Condolences to his family and friends.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Fixed Leo – thank you.
August 15th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Barley did some extraordinary and beautiful work — set designs mostly — for the dance community in Melbourne… notably the Danceworks company in the 1990s and Company in Space.
According to Jacqui, “occasional production manager” at Bambuco, Simon was a man of “vast and eclectic networks”, so it’s been difficult to get news out. Apparently the funeral is scheduled for Saturday the 18th in Forrest. His family is keen, apparently, to get the word out that friends and colleagues are welcome to speak at the service.
I don’t have details of time or location unfortunately.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Simon’s funeral is to bel held on Saturday 18th August at 2pm at the Yaugher cemetery, Forrest, Victoria.
Forrest is 2 hours drive from Melbourne, south west on the road to Apollo Bay.
The cemetery is on the north side of the township, 2k out of town.
August 17th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
I was meant to meet with simon last friday. Now I know why he wasnt there.
I knew there was something wrong, but Ive been out of contact all week, just got home, Im so glad I found this site, Ill be at forrest tomorrow.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
I’ve sat for 15 minutes, wondering for anything to say. It seems appropriate that I would say something, just as it seems that, lately, words have lost most meaning.
Mourning the loss of a friend, a father, and the chance for conversations never started.
My thoughts are with those that never met him.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I just heard about Simon for the first time today, from Fred Elliott, artist and veteran Antarctic expeditioner, who was also in the first party to climb Federation Peak. These people inspire always, beyond their days.