
Biography
Artist Statement
My work has been described as “painting by thread”. The cosmos and the interrelationship of art and science are my inspiration and focus. My tapestries are an attempt to capture the wonder and mystery of the universe integrated with indigenous symbolism. I see stunning reminders of how much we are a part of the harmonic whole…a constant inspiration to me. The discipline of the loom heightens the creative expression of the threads as I weave.
My love of fiber art began in the San Francisco Bay Area where I studied off loom weaving with a local architect/artist. I held the dream of one day returning to my art after completing my corporate career. In 2006 I fulfilled my dream and began an apprenticeship in Santa Fe with James Koehler, an internationally known tapestry artist. I continued to work with him through 2010.
My work is shown in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Texas. Private commissions are accepted.
Juried Exhibitions
2012 – Fuller Lodge Art Center, “Rhapsody in Blue”, Los Alamos, NM.
2011 - 18 Hands Gallery, Houston, TX.
2011 - Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center, Espanola, NM
2011 - Fiber Celebration 2011, Avenir Museum of Design & Merchandising, Ft. Collins, CO.
2011 - The New Mexico Committee for Women in the Arts, “18 Days”, Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe, NM
2010 - Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center, Espanola, NM
2010 - Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, NM – “Let’s Celebrate Spring”
2009 - Center for Southwest Studies Gallery, “Fiber Celebrated”, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO. -
2009- Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, NM – Red, Yellow and Blue, First Place, Viewer’s Choice Award,
2008 - Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, NM - Traditional Fine Arts and Crafts
Group Exhibitions
2014 - Framer's Gallery, WILCO Art Guild, Georgetown, TX
2012 – Ghost Ranch, Art Through The Loom, Abiquiu, NM
2011 – Karen Wray Fine Art Gallery, Los Alamos, NM
2011 – Ghost Ranch, Art Through The Loom, Abiquiu, NM
2011 – Wells Fargo Bank Gallery, Art thru the Loom, Santa Fe, NM
2010 - Ghost Ranch, Las Tejedoras, Abiquiu, NM
2009-2011, 2013 – Eldorado Studio Tour, Santa Fe, NM
Gallery Representation – Xanadu Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
Private Collections – California, Colorado, Texas and New York.
Affiliations –
Williamson County Art Guild
Art Through The Loom – Past President
Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center
National Museum for Women in the Arts
New Mexico Fiber Artisans
American Tapestry Alliance
Education
Elizabeth Buckley Studio, Albuquerque, NM - ongoing
Koehler Studio, Apprentice, Santa Fe, NM – 2006 - 2010
Taos Institute of Art, summer classes, Navajo Weaving
University of Maryland, Bachelor of Arts Degree


TEXTILE ARTIST

SHEILA BURKE