“Just my soul and a brush. I am a different person through art. I am everything I ever wanted to be in those moments.”­quote from Anna Burke describing herself while working on her art.

Anna has experimented with many forms of art — painting, drawing, photography, dance, theater, music — but painting is her main form of expression. If you haven’t seen her work, envision vibrant color bursts with strong lines, composition and design. Think of a mix of Graffiti, Miro and Van Gogh. Her work spans many themes, always with a strong sense of her personal, complex, often playful style. Her portraits are raw and vulnerable. “When I sit down to paint I dump all the drama and tragedy and pain from my heart onto canvas.”

Anna says she “finds her best canvases in the trash.” Her art comes from recyclable materials, that she scavenges or people donate for her to use. Her favorite time to paint is when Gin ­Soaked Angels is playing. Her partner, Ryan Stinson does guitar, vocals and percussion with this Soul­Rock/Jam group. “Their music and my relationships with them is my church and my family­ is my inspiration and my happiness.”

When asked what she is working on now, Anna says: “I am delving into new art forms including furniture restoration, three dimensional art, sewing, watercolor, etc. In the summer, I will be offering my second year of kids art classes called “Art Foundations” at the YSAC Community Gallery. My constant goal is to get better, to try new things, to explore myself, and to move someone else with the way I see the world.”

What does Anna get a kick out of? “Making the world around me more beautiful. I also raise and breed slugs. I am fascinated by them!”

Live Music by Ryan Stinson, Refreshments

Multimedia works and acrylic paintings from reused/recycled materials.

Local Folk Artist, and Mother, Anna Burke, presents a reflection of her journey through life by creating art with everyday objects.