Photo Courtesy of West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Anthony Burks Sr. is one of the most unique conceptual artists in
America. His paintings mix colored pencils, watercolor, pen, and ink, and are
characterized by his unusual choice of colors. Whether depicting birds,
animals, or people, Anthony is able to convey the intertwining of their beauty
and their strength. He chooses his subjects because of what they mean to him,
and he tells their stories through his combination of realistic forms, bright
colors, and abstract images.
A graduate of the Art
Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Anthony has exhibited at galleries, museums, and
events for over twenty years, including: the Endangered Species of Florida
Exhibition at the Paul Fisher Gallery; Collaboration: African Diaspora at the
Armory Art Center; juried exhibit at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens; CONTINUUM,
a gallery that was an extension of ArtSynergy and ArtPalmBeach; Wild Things, an
art exhibition benefitting the Rare Species Conservancy; and Elements, a
collaboration with three artists to promote the understanding of South Florida’s
ecosystem and The Everglades. His painting “Freedom 2001” can be found in the
Cornell Museum Permanent Collection.
Anthony mentors fellow
artists young and old, teaching them his techniques and encouraging them to
pursue their own creative talents. He is also the co-founder of A.T.B. Fine
Artists & Designers where he curates shows for other artists and promotes
the local arts scene. He is presently working on a coffee table book of his
paintings and drawings.
Artist Statement
My works result from
the blending of my mind and heart. It is a gift from God that I love and
cherish immensely. Whether choosing a bird, animal or beautiful woman as my
subject, I achieve diversity by incorporating into my art bright colors and
abstract images. I want my audience to be as free in viewing my work as I am in
creating it.
Change is a challenge
for many artists, but I have learned to embrace it. I am constantly inspired by
the artists that I mentor and the shows that I curate. My artwork evolves as I
create new collections that tell new stories. I am eager to tackle the next
stage of my artistic journey.
Endangered Florida Wildlife
Anthony was inspired to put together a show by a conversation with a
local environmental activist. His vision became a four-artist exhibit at the
Paul Fisher Gallery. They partnered with three environmental sanctuaries,
raising awareness of Florida endangered species. Anthony’s passion for wildlife
renderings lead him to create this series, which includes the loggerhead sea turtle,
Florida panther, snail kite, and black bear.
Mother Nature Series
In this series, butterflies are used to depict the beauty of nature
through their prominently colored eyes. Mother Nature is depicted by a
beautiful woman who is merged with the butterfly to watch over the earth.
Color Birds Series
The “Color Birds” series allows each bird to represent how they feel on
the inside through expressive colors. Their natural colored feathers are shed,
and an unexpected burst of new colors allows them to release their inner
beauty. The birds are created using colored pencils on watercolor paper, wood,
or cloth.
The Rooted Ground
If a tree had a mind or a soul of its own, what would it be? That question
inspired Anthony to create The Rooted Ground series. The top of a tree may be
cut or discarded, but its roots will survive. The roots are its soul, and will
continue in the ground as earth creates nature again. Anthony compares this to
the lives we lead, and the Circle of Life that is our life and death. Each time
he creates a new Rooted Ground painting, his spirit dictates a new group of
colors for those new roots.
The Mud Cloth Series
This series of paintings represents African and Black American culture.
The symbols on the cloths are used as a form of communication among people, and
can be traced back throughout African history. The Mud Cloths are mixed media
paintings on watercolor paper, representing the traditional mud cloths created
by African women centuries ago.
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