JESSICA BURKO
JESSICA BURKO (SHE/HER) has been an exhibiting artist since 1985 and has displayed work in solo and group shows throughout the United States. Burko is originally from Philadelphia and currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts. She holds a BFA in Fine Art Photography from Rhode Island School of Design, and an MFA in Imaging Arts and Science from Rochester Institute of Technology.
What kind of process went into organizing βFractured & Foundβ? What were some of your biggest considerations with this project?
The work in Fractured & Found is created with found objects. Having my images embedded within encaustic, a wax based medium, within dresser drawers factors into many themes of the show including what's hidden and what seen, and the modular quality of the installations. Collecting the almost 150 drawers that I am using in the gallery took several years and utilized the help of many friends scouring curbside as I also did daily. And still do!
How did your relationship with art and artistic expression begin?
I was raised in a creative household and some of my earliest memories are laying on my mother's painting Studio floor drawing on scraps of mat board and collaging with Coloraid. I was always involved in performing and visual arts, studying art history and Fine Art in high school then going on to study photography at Rhode Island School of Design.
What art medium calls to you the most, and why?
Photography has always been my primary medium and the foundation medium of all of my mixed media work. I began processing film and making prints in a darkroom when I was 10 years old, which was also the year I first exhibited my work and sold my first piece. Photography is where it's at for me but I also love making work that is hands-on and has a physicality to the process that extends beyond the dark room or computer screen.
You have held a number of roles within Bostonβs art community. What have you learned about the art community from your time at different art organizations? What have you learned about yourself?
I have felt extremely lucky to have worked in the Arts all of my adult life. I have worked in a wide range of roles including Gallery assistant, Studio assistant, Gallery manager, Gallery director, PR coordinator, marketing director, curator, and I also teach Arts marketing workshops with nonprofit organizations. I have worked with artists and galleries that focus on mediums such as glass, textiles, painting, photography, and mixed media. It's been wonderful to experience the working environments of so many different media categories and also to learn how commercial and nonprofit Arts businesses function on a day-to-day basis. Spending time in so many different branches of the Arts industry really helped me hone my skill set and this has been paramount in finding satisfying work in which I can help the most artists while also staying invigorated and inspired.
If you had to sum up a message/lesson behind your recent work in one sentence, what would it be?
It's okay to feel pulled in many directions because if you have a vibrant life it will naturally be complex and full.
What is βARTβ to you?
The visual, auditory, and/or physical expression of ones experience, feelings, and knowledge.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an artist? And what has been the most rewarding?
It's all been a challenge and it's all been a reward. Making art is hard work. It can be draining and deeply fulfilling at the same time. Before I have an exhibition of my work I spend several years developing what I want to say, how I want to say it. the process in which I work is slow and sometimes that can be hard because delayed gratification but when I'm able to share my work with others it makes everything worthwhile.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring artist?
Get feedback, see art, read books, and don't give up no matter what anyone says. If you feel the art within you then you need to express it.
Where can people find you?
www.jessicaburko.com
Instagram and twitter @jessicaburko
Contact Jessica at design@jessicaburko.com
