Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Burke.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 with a degree in Fabric Design — which (for the normal passerby) is code for an art degree in illustration, painting, pattern design, and textiles. Growing up, art making was always a hobby of mine, as my grandmother introduced sewing and crocheting as soon as I was old enough to hold a plastic needle. While art held the place of a glorified side-talent in my life throughout the years, it wasn’t until I had a year under my belt at the University of Georgia before I seriously considered pursuing art as a career. Currently, I work on my fine art projects and commercial projects as Kate Burke Studio — a conglomeration of textile-driven fine art and fun, quirky commercial illustration & murals. My work in illustration & mural painting fuels the means for my fine artwork — and in the process, I get to experience the best of both sides in the art world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working towards your dreams is never as dream-like as we’d like it to be. When you’re juggling a number of different jobs and working what seems like 24/7 to see your vision unfold (and also pay your bills), your vision often gets blurred — physically and metaphorically — due to lack of sleep. A lot of days it feels like I’m spinning plates, working on various projects and trying to meet deadlines. There’s always the fear of crashing and burning; but if/when that happens you’ve just got to pick the ashes out of your hair and keep moving forward. Surrounding yourself with a community of people who love and support you is critical to success, and even more critical in failure. It takes a village to lift a dream off the ground, and I wouldn’t be on this journey if it weren’t for my incredible family and friends.
Please tell us about Kate Burke Studio.
My art practice, in result of my schooling, has a lot of different facets. I work primarily on my fine art projects, which as of late are these fun, sculptural text embroideries. In my fine art practice, I utilize the methods and craft of textiles to comment on the contemporary habits of our society and culture. I’ve specifically honed in on society’s use of technology, and have begun to connect the old craft of textiles to the high-tech reality we live in. With the inevitable intangibility (or virtuality) of technology, the functions of textile and sculpture explore the tension of what is real and what isn’t, leading my work to fall into a conversation about perception and the results of perception shifting over time.
The more commercial side of my practice sprouts in the form of these whimsical, detailed contour drawings. I focus mainly on natural elements, like flora and greenery, and also indulge in the occasional still-life drawing. I’m currently working on a mural in the city of Duluth, GA, which has been my biggest project to date. I’m extremely interested in doing more mural work, whether that comes in the form of a city wall or the accent to a humble, dining room set-up.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
A lot of my childhood memories are from my grandmother’s house. With both of my parents working as police officers, she spent a considerable amount of time with us as we adjusted to their intense work schedules. I specifically remember spending a considerable amount of time with her outside, playing and hanging from one tree in particular. It was tall enough to make me feel unstoppable but also short enough for me to access. I think that tree sparked my love for the outdoors, as I learned to respect the nature around me and develop an appreciation for the time I spent with it. I’m sure it is no coincidence that now, a large part of my art practice hones in on the intricate details and beauty of nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kateburkestudio.com
- Email: kateburkestudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kateburkestudio
Image Credit:
Kate Burke
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