Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Burke
Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After growing up in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, I attended Georgia Southwestern State University. In 2020, I received my BFA in painting. When I graduated, Covid was raging. I moved back home and worked various jobs while the world was under lockdown. Once everything calmed down I began to focus on my art again. I started doing ceramics. From plaster molds, I make jewelry boxes and other vessels. I paint on these, making each one a bit different. I sell my boxes at markets with lots of other artists.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not always. Graduating during Covid was extremely hard for me. It is incredibly difficult going from having a full studio to work in to only working at home. A lot of art careers are considered non-essential in 2020-2021, so finding work was not easy. However, I feel during this time many artists found each other online and made life easier for one another.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Mainly, I make ceramic jewelry boxes. I believe the of collecting of little things is very special, and very human. We can all relate to that in some way. I take pride in the idea that my boxes can be a safe space for treasures and precious items.
As I get older I find that it’s getting harder and harder to find objects that are made in a meaningful way, by your fellow humans. Things that have been through someone else’s hands. That is why it is so important to make things. I know many artists share this sentiment, and it sets us apart from this plastic culture that has taken over.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You can be creative anywhere. Cut up junk mail, glue it on a cardboard box. Just don’t stop creating. Even if it’s only 30 seconds of scribbles. You will surprise yourself with what you can achieve when you feel the least motivated to start.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cathedra.art
