BIO

Emma M. Burke is an American figurative and portrait artist known for her emotionally resonant, contemporary work. She earned her BFA in Drawing and Painting from Lesley University’s College of Art and Design. While her foundation lies in classical figurative studies, her current practice explores the evolving language of contemporary portraiture.

With over six years of experience, Emma has also established herself within the design industry, creating impactful artwork solutions for corporate and healthcare environments. Her ability to transform spaces through art—while aligning with the aesthetics, values, and vision of each client—has made her a sought-after collaborator in both private and public settings.

The human form is at the core of my artistic practice. I am drawn to intimate, often overlooked moments—people caught in the quiet rituals and habits of everyday life, beyond the gaze of public performance. These unscripted experiences stand in stark contrast to the polished and idealized images of human existence often portrayed in Western culture.

Through my work, I aim to reveal the inherent beauty, humor, and vulnerability in the ordinary. I embrace the awkward, the subtle, and the offbeat—not as distractions from seriousness, but as essential truths of lived experience. For me, quirkiness and sincerity are not opposites, but partners in capturing the complexity of what it means to be human.