We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kerry Burch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kerry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents were first and second generation immigrants to the United States, and came from families that worked service jobs. As public school teachers, my parents had a strong desire for their kids to go to college and become professionals (accountants, doctors, scientists). Growing up I never felt like we were poor, but my mom often worked two jobs and my parents were extremely financially disciplined: they paid for everything in cash. They did not have a check book until my oldest sibling went to college. With that background, my parents did not want me to become a struggling artist when I had potential to be successful and financially secure in other professions.
With that background, my parents always encouraged me to continue to take art classes (which I did) and their influence delayed my entry into the art profession. But I will say but they did a number things right. For example, they taught me the value of a strong work ethic and saving money. They encouraged exploration – whether it be to museums, concerts, trips with school and friends, and to study abroad. They taught me crafts: how to crochet, knit, cross stitch, how to use a sewing machine, and how to paint and refinish furniture. They also taught me to the Berkshire landscape, flowers, and the architectural details on old houses or in churches.
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
Kerry Burch is a colorful, abstract painter and mixed-media artist. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Kerry lives with her husband, three teenagers, two dogs, and nine feathered friends. She was born in Adams, Massachusetts, attend Williams College, graduated from the Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Kerry is a Golden Belt Artist working in Studio 17
Inspiration for Kerry’s art comes from observations in nature and science and from purely intuitive paintings and collages that are based on a pre-defined color palette. Kerry is known for her large canvas painting (art that is greater than 4 X 6 feet) and opens 6 commission spots each year for clients looking for large art. Kerry has also become known for her ‘minis,” which are 8 X 10 inch framed abstracts created during the Corona virus pandemic.
Kerry has shown her work in New York City and in various North Carolina galleries in the Triangle and Triad. Kerry’s ‘minis” can be seen at the North Carolina Contemporary Art Museum (CAM),
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Dedicating my energy to my creating full-time has become an overall life goal. While my work as a project management professional (PMP) has been rewarding, I have a variety of specific creative goals I would like to accomplish. For example, I am planning series around a number of topics of interest including: improving scientific understanding at cellular levels artistic visualizations; painting abstract landscapes from our state and national parks; undertaking some mixed media work on paper; and abstracts pieces with people that evoke feeling through shape and color. I also would love to be part of some urban mural painting projects.
I also believe that part of my creative journey is to use my PMP skills and experience to build community and support other artists. Although I consider myself an emerging artist, my professional skills and experience as a PMP will drive my journey and will be used to help other artists and communities.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to experiment and adjust as needed. In this way, artists have the most incredible creative freedom.
For example, you can make a mark or chose a color, and leave it for a while. Or, perhaps later, after some self evaluation or feedback from others you can decide to change it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KerryBurchArt.com
- Instagram: KerryABurch
- Facebook: KerryABurchArt
- Twitter: KerryBurchArt