AUGUST EXHIBIT—KATHLEEN
KASE BURK
Artist Statement
My work chronicles an artistic journey from representational
still life drawing to abstract, grid-like works reminiscent of mid-twentieth
century design. In between are works that are semi-abstract, realistic
works with abstract qualities, and works that appear realistic but are
partially or wholly imaginary. Interesting design and surface textures
appeal to me in any kind of art, no matter what medium or style. Tightly
organized geometric designs are satisfying, but even more so with the addition
of color and organic shapes as counterpoint.
Drawing
is a reflective and meditative activity, one that grounds me and structures my
days. The centralized design of these works makes them seem like objects
for contemplation---like modern versions of ancient mandalas. In looking
at them, I hope the viewer experiences both a sense of peace and calm, as well
as of exploration and discovery.
Kathleen
Kase Burk has exhibited her drawings in regional and national shows for over
thirty years, winning many awards. Her works are included in many public and
private collections, such as Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, Del Mar College (TX),
University of North Dakota, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Westmoreland
Museum of American Art, and Parkersburg Art Center (WV). She received a BA
degree in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and an MA
degree in Art, also from IUP, in 1980. She has taught art in a variety of
settings, including the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, visiting
artists program through PA Council on the Arts, and at Bishop Carroll High
School in Ebensburg from 1991 until 2009.
Primarily
a still life artist, Ms. Burk’s extremely realistic pencil drawings explore the
effects of light on arrangements of common objects. In recent years, however,
her interest in design, particularly grids and centralized geometric designs
reminiscent of mid-twentieth century modern art, has resulted in a series of
large abstract works, some of which are executed in colored pencil.
