We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evelyn Burnette . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evelyn below.
Evelyn , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Right now I am working on a project that I hope will provide healing for moms that have experienced a miscarriage or infant loss. In February I found out I was expecting my first child. At the end of March, I was devastated to find out that I had a miscarriage. I was 12 weeks pregnant at the time. The past 3 months have been an extremely intense time. Mourning a person no one knew or ever got to meet is an isolating experience, but I have found peace in connecting with others who have experienced the same. I have also found healing through the artworks I am creating. First, I am making a painting on paper. Once the paper is dry I am stitching two hearts into the center. One larger heart to symbolize the mother and a smaller one that fits inside to symbolize the life of the baby that was lost. I titled this series “Your Heart in Mine.” It was important to me that the hearts were stitched because I felt like painting them did not accurately portray how deeply connected moms are to their babies. Some of these works will be going to an organization that provides care packages for moms that have experienced loss and the rest will be available on my website free of cost, except for a small shipping fee. I want these to be accessible to anyone that wants a way to remember their baby.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have been painting for as long as I can remember, but I had not seriously thought about creating a small business from it until a few years ago. I currently work as a full time art teacher and have for the past 8 years. In the beginning of my teaching career, I completely stopped painting and bought into the notion that working well past my contract hours was necessary. It took 5 years for me to finally start prioritizing my own creative endeavors after work. I paint mostly abstract artworks now, but I still dive back into realistic artwork occasionally. I provide complete works available for purchase on my website, but my favorite paintings to do are custom pieces. For me it’s the conversation and connection I get to form with clients through doing a custom painting that really inspires me. Not only do we get to merge our creative ideas together, but I feel connected to them and their story through the artwork. In a way it is an abstract portrait. Whenever it is possible I will do an in-person installation or delivery day when the artwork is complete.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My art is driven by the desire to connect with others. Art has the transformative power to create a shared experience without needing words. Along with this my art is driven by a dream of mine. While I enjoy being an art teacher, it is my goal to one day be a full time artist.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
The people and places around me! I always knew they were there, but I was afraid to ask. Marketing artwork feels awkward at times because you put your heart and soul into it. It’s like selling a piece of yourself. I am working to shift my mindset and think about the positive potential working with others will have instead of just fearing being told no. Don’t be afraid to ask businesses or people to work with you or display your work. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evelynreedburnettestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/evelynreedburnette_studio?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvelynReedBurnetteStudio?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
1st image-Leigh Ann Remke Photography