A native of Arizona, Barela ran away from home when he was only eleven years old. Before returning to Arizona in 1930, Barela learned to speak english and worked in Colorado and Wyoming as a ranch hand.

In 1931 Barela began carving primitive sculptures out of pine & cedar wood. His inspiration came from bultos (sculptures) found in old churches in his area.

During the Depression, Barela was employed by the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. During this time he settled in Taos Canyon, New Mexico.

Barela's distinctive sculpture is difficult to classify and is often referred to as modern or primitive.