ARTIST STATEMENT

Barbara Burns

Through Art and Words:

Life’s Revelations

Life’s Realities

Life’s Hopes

As human beings, I believe, we come to know life through our thoughts and our feelings. Despite my work being expressions of my heart and soul, the viewer may see a part of him/herself in my work. Even though there are external differences in our earthly vessels, we are all the same.

The subjects, processes and techniques I use are varied. I am an artist of no style. The only constant in my work is that I combine visuals and words. My work attempts to share with the viewer the human experience called life through my hands, words and heart.

Work begins with a thought or feeling; the expression can spill joyously out from me or it can be something I am afraid to express. These stirrings are often ignited by words I have read, artwork I have seen, music I have heard, silence I have experienced, human stories I have felt or my life I have lived. At times the words will come first and then the visuals, or vice versa. While sometimes, the art work and words seem to flow together.

I remember an elderly lady, saying with admiration in her voice, “You are a brave soul to express such things.” I have also heard my work described as “honest, real and in-your-face.” Someone else once said, “I found artwork that speaks to me; it sounds like my mind.” Other artists have commented on my texture, line, movement, colour and profound symbolism. I have watched others view my work and nod with understanding, laugh from consciousness and cry with knowledge that they are not alone. Besides the need to express myself, this is why I create.