We recently connected with Valerie Burkes and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been creative all my life but I didn’t take it seriously until 2008. At the time I was working at a telecommunications company and met other creative people who worked there as well so we decided to put together a creative showcase to feature all of our talents: poetry, photography, culinary, and fine arts. It was a huge success. I had never been to an art show and never even considered doing art professionally until that moment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and later in Pensacola, Florida, I was fortunate to have parents who recognized my creativity. The paint-by-number sets they provided ignited my artistic passion. My elementary school’s unique offering of high school courses to the brightest students allowed me to explore diverse subjects, including marine biology, ornithology, puppetry, and painting. This early exposure laid the foundation for my artistic journey. At the tender age of 8, I created my first oil painting. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my artistic exploration. During challenging times, creativity became my sanctuary—a space where I excelled and found solace. It was a gift that couldn’t be taken away from me. Despite not having professional artists in my community, my passion persisted. In 2008, I shifted gears and began considering art as a viable career after participating in my first group showcase with a group of talented coworkers. Shortly after, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston curated my work for the 5A Citywide Art Exhibition. My work has graced prestigious venues, including Houston City Hall, Rice University, Houston Central Library, Hardy Nance Studios Houston, Lawndale Art Center, University of St. Thomas, The Community Artists Collective, Texas Southern University, and even the JP Morgan Chase building.

My art has been described as figurative abstract, a captivating blend of form and abstraction. This genre allows me to express emotions, ideas, and narratives through visual language.As an artist, I’ve woven my colors into the fabric of memories, creating a tapestry that resonates with hearts. What sets me apart, what fills my chest with pride, and what I want my potential clients to know: Relatability is my muse. I don’t merely paint; I evoke emotions. When you gaze upon my work, you’ll find fragments of your own life. Memories bloom in my canvases. Each stroke carries echoes of laughter, tears, and whispered secrets. Whether it’s a splash of cerulean or a hint of sepia, I aim for that familiar tug—the “I’ve been there” moment. Longevity is my silent companion. The art world spins like a kaleidoscope, but I’ve weathered its storms. Decades have danced across my palette, yet my passion remains unwavering. I’m proud of the timeless thread that binds my earliest oil strokes to the present. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving, like a resilient bloom in an ever-changing garden. Each canvas is a labor of love—a symphony of pigments, dreams, and community whispers. When I paint, I don’t merely wield a brush; I weave connections. My art isn’t detached; it’s rooted. Potential clients, know this: Every stroke is personal. Every hue carries a heartbeat. When you acquire my piece, you embrace a slice of our shared journey. So step closer, let the colors breathe, and find your story within my canvas.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Bringing a new idea to life is the most rewarding aspect of my work. During the creative process, I feel most inspired when I have a new idea and the vision to create it. By working through this process, I design and experiment to refine a particular technique.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

With each creation, my aspiration is to challenge the viewer, to stir a recognition of the inherent beauty in all people. My art is an invitation to break free from the shackles of preconceived notions, to celebrate the extraordinary in the mundane, and to embrace the splendor that embellishes our daily existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.valerieburkes.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/valerieburkesartist
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbyvalerieburkes
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/artbyvalerieburkes