Chris Barnes trained as a sculptor at St Martin's School of Art, London and this background informs his work. He produces thrown and handbuilt ceramics which he stoneware fires in a gas and woodburning kiln. The work is functional, with glaze decoration that makes use of the intrinsic qualities of reduction firing with a live flame powered kiln.

His work seeks to express the softness of clay while introducing a dynamic use of form to provide useful pots that are well suited for their purpose. Glazes are used to enhance the volume and energy of forms, and add the perfect practical solution to the finish of the surface, pooling and fusing onto the telling detail of handle and lip.