ARTIST’S STATEMENT

“Beginning with paintings of my own children in interiors, my interest evolved into painting from public images of ll types of human forms. These images are actual people in real life settings, captured within a camera lens and then transformed to a canvas. By altering the composition, I design a unique space for the body. With the use of expressive color with oil paint, the realist version of the human form becomes vibrant and energized. The Paints fluidity allows manipulation of the form by adding layers of warm and cool colors. There is a challenge of redefining a body as a nude, even though it is partially dressed. I find unscripted poses, and survey the body, disregarding personality. Through the use of theatrical lighting and manipulation of my own body, ideas transform to questions regarding the body as a display piece. That is interpreted as a performance or public act vs. private persona.

The interest in human figure was encouraged by the study of anatomy and the posed figure in fashion. This later translated into a passion for fine art and the human form. By focusing on constructed identity, both public and private, my process raises the question of public pretense and internal protection. I strive for an individual body drama, so that each piece attains its own presence. The external surface of character is revealed through seeing the body as mutable.”

PROFILE

Jean M. Burlingame received an A.A. degree from Broome Community College, NY, an A.A.S. degree in illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology, NY, her B.S., magna cum laude from State University of New York, her M.S. in education form Elmira College, NY, and studied at UCSD, San Diego. She is credentialed in the state of California and Certified in the start of New York as a primary and secondary art teacher.

She has worked as a fashion illustrator, muralist, and teacher. Jean has won awards and exhibited her work in both California and New York.