Kelsey Burke: Walking on Water

As a self-taught chalk pastel artist, Burke seeks to paint with “the colors beyond the colors.” She loves the pure pigment, vibrant hues, and ability to draw and paint simultaneously.

Author Madeleine L’Engle has been a great inspiration for Burke’s work. It is her book Walking on Water, Reflections on Faith and Art that inspired the subject matter of this show. Citing the importance for artists to regain their childlike wonder and perspective, L’Engle offers, “We cannot be mature artists if we have lost the ability to believe, which we had as children … In art, either as creators or participators, we are helped to remember some of the glorious things we have forgotten … we are able to walk on water.”

Burke embarked on a journey to create a collection reflective of L’Engle’s words. Works in this show are all California landscapes inspired by photos taken with or by Burke’s six children as the family has adventured up and down our state. Twisted tree trunks, crashing waves, reflective waterways and climbable rocks served as both the scaffolding for her family’s travels and her artwork.