Amy By Design

Artist Statement

Inspired by the magnificence and beauty of nature and my surroundings, I seek to capture the whimsical aspects and simplicity of form. Creating with clay, wool and other materials derived from nature, I take pleasure in the tactile and sensual qualities of these mediums. My sculptural forms can be viewed to have a utilitarian and or aesthetic purpose.

My recent fascination with felting began in the fall of 2009, immediately consumed with this new process, my skills evolved quickly and I am still astonished with the variety of outcomes possible. It also became apparent to me that like clay, felting crosses the sometimes vague “boundaries” of art and craft and I again find a positive overlap. By the end of 2009 I began making “groupings” of felt sculptures that appeal to collectors and galleries alike.

Bio

Amy Burkard is a Kelowna based sculptor and visual artist who has been presenting work professionally for over 10 years. Originally from Courtenay, BC, Amy realized in her mid 20's that being a professional artist would be the best career she could envision. After completing her BFA at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in 2003 her creative voice as Canadian female artist emerged. Guided by material curiosity, she continues to discover her dream.

Currently her practice involves what she has termed,“open to experiment.” This definition describes her broad variety of interests, which include: clay, fiber, printmaking, marbling, painting, life drawing, and even digital printing. She states that her “artistic borders are open”, allowing a lot of room for experimentation and creative growth.

EXHIBITIONS

2010, Permanent artist. Kelowna. A Woodside Design GALLERY.
2010, Permanent artist. Kelowna. Potters Addict. Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2010, Permanent artist. Vernon. Gallery Vertigo Gift Shop.
2010, Woon-Hing Manning Solo Show and Sale. Kelowna. Okanagan College.
2010, Almost Famous. Vernon. Gallery Vertigo Gift Shop.
2010, GO Party! Kelowna Art Gallery.
2010, Love of Art Almighty! Kelowna. Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2010, Stick Figures. Kelowna. Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2010, Wrapped and ready to go... Kelowna. Studio 113 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2010, U8. Kelowna. Sopa Fine Arts Gallery.
2010, Fire Fundraiser for the Arts Auction. Vancouver. Main St.
2010, Fabulous Finds. Kelowna. Summerhill Winery.
2009, Conduit. Kelowna. Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2009, under 113 @ Studio 113. Kelowna. Rotary Centre for the Arts.
2009, Ceramic Spring Show & Sale. Vancouver. West End Community Centre.
2009, Ceramic Spring Show & Sale. Vancouver. West End Community Centre.
2002, Emily Carr Grad Show. Vancouver. Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.
2002, Flux - Art Works made of Clay. Vancouver. Emily Carr, Concourse Gallery.
2002, Does My Ass Look Fat In This? Vancouver. Emily Carr, Concourse Gallery.
2002, Sculpture Show. Seattle. University of Washington, USA.
2001, Feature Artist - September 2001. Vancouver. BC Gallery of Ceramics.
2001, Third Year Ceramics. Vancouver. Emily Carr, Concourse Gallery.
2000, Second Year Ceramics. Vancouver. Emily Carr, Concourse Gallery.
1999, Juried Art Show. Courtenay. Muir Gallery.
1999, Student Show. Courtenay. North Island College.

PUBLICATIONS

2010, A Fascination with Felt. Kelowna. Madeleine, a Woman's World.
2010, Stick Figures. Kelowna. Livessence exhibition catalog.

AWARDS

2002, Ceramist of the Year. Courtenay. Comox Valley Potters Guild.
1999, Award of Merit, Juried Art Show. Courtenay. Comox Valley Community Arts Council.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

2009, Art Walk. Kelowna. Kids Art Table Leader.
2006-2008, Kids Art Instructor. Vancouver. Private Residence.
2004, Canadian Clay Symposium, Volunteer. Vancouver. Shadbolt Center for the Arts.
2002, Preporators Assistant. Vancouver. Buschlen Mowatt Gallery.
2001-2003, Teachers Assistant/ Ceramic Technician. Vancouver. Arts Umbrella.
2001-2003, Library Research Assistant. Vancouver. Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.
2000–2001, Ceramic technition. Vancouver. Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.