BIO

Emma M. Burke is an American figurative and portrait artist. She completed her BFA from Lesley University College of Art and Design concentrating in drawing and painting.  Although Emma has spent many years focusing primarily on figurative studies, her recent work has shifted towards Contemporary Portraiture. 

With over 6 years of experience, Emma has gained a prominent reputation in the Design Industry. Creating artwork solutions for corporate and healthcare environments was an unexpected, yet welcomed passion for Emma. Her ability to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a space through art, while reflecting the vision and values of the organization, is exceptional. 

The human form is a central focus of my work. What interests me are private moments in which people conduct their daily routines and habits, beyond the gaze of public life. Those unseen moments are generally in stark contrast to the idealized depictions of human existence that we are exposed to in western culture. As I want my art to convince the viewer of the beauty in these ordinary everyday moments, I reject the notion that humor and oddity (quirkiness) is a contradiction to genuine artistic expression.