Kathy Burk
Artist Statement
I never thought that designing a lamp would evolve into such a passion for me. I have an extensive fine art background including a BFA in Interior Design. While practicing commercially, I never found lighting that enhanced the interior. So I designed a floor lamp. When I went to the local stained glass store to learn how to make the shade I was immediately enchanted by many colors and textures of glass. I am intrigued by the way each piece looks significantly different when lit from behind. This discovery was the beginning of my new career as a glass artist.
I design with glass. Today, from my studio in Bozeman, MT, I enjoy incorporating hand-made kiln glass, art glass, steel and found objects into my artwork to achieve a three-dimensional collage. I play with light and how it changes the appearance of glass and its texture. I fuse layers of glass together and experiment with the reactive potential of lead, copper and sulfur that occur in the different colors. I learn the rules of working with glass then stretch those boundaries and create unique artwork.
Modern Relics is a series of complimentary artwork that represent the textures, movement and vibrant color found in Montana’s geology and natural environment. The designs include mosaic collage to hang on your wall, custom lighting to warm your space and kiln glass as decorative sculpture and functional ware. Artwork can be found in various galleries across Montana and the Northwest.