STATEMENT
My work expresses the compassion and respect that I have for the natural world, often connecting humans and animals in hybridity as directed by personal passion for pre-Columbian civilization and ancient art. Visiting indigenous villages and Inca ruins in South America several years ago compelled me to further this interest by taking art history courses that explored American Indian, Mayan, and Indian art and civilizations. By using paper collage and mixed media in my work, I mean to reinforce our need to re-connect to a delicate, tactile world as a way to embrace and value the planet over a consumer culture which uses up priceless resources and drives wildlife to extinction.
BIOGRAPHY
The act of creation has been significant to my development since I was a child. As a five-year-old I began taking piano lessons and soon loved playing almost as much as I already loved drawing. My mother always provided my brothers and I with an adundance of markers, crayons, paint and paper and encouraged us to express ourselves creatively. Classes in art and music were pure enjoyment to me and stoked a passion, even at such a tender age.
Creative epxression is glued to my personal identity and is what I find truly fulfilling. In high school I took as many art and language classes as possible, often sacrificing lunch period. At the same time, I took private art classes on weekends. My older brother was visual artist so there were plenty of art crtiques at home (as well as competition over wall space!). Throughout high school I exhibited in many shows throughout the Hamptons on Long Island. I won the Art and Multi-Lingual Language Awards at the end of my senior class of nearly 700 students, as well as being voted Class Artist. After graduation I set out to pursue a Fine Arts education.
Exploring the art world in New York City for nearly five years and brief travels in Europe, South America, and the United States opened me up to many facets of life. I became fluent in French and Spanish. In May 2010 I will graduate from The Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Art and a minor in History of Art.
LINKS
P.S.1 Studio Visit
http://ps1.org/studio-visit/artist/dana-burns
A Sky Filled With Shooting Stars
http://www.askyfilledwithshootingstars.com
Magda Carolina Gomez
http://www.magdacarolinagomez.com/
Monkdogz Art Blog
http://artblahblah.com/