Claire Burbridge Pathways to the Invisible

Inspired by an almost microscopic examination of nature, Claire Burbridge creates beautifully drawn imaginary worlds. We recognize the sources of her creations -- trees, flowers, plants, fungi, insects, and more --- but her subjects morph from realistic depictions into a heightened reality. “My works,” she says, “aim to draw attention to the mysteries of the physical world.” The current exhibition features works produced since 2015, as well as new pieces, informed by a recent visit to Iceland and a Percent for Art state commission.

Born in London in 1971, Burbridge grew up on the west coast of Scotland and in rural Somerset where she attended Wells Cathedral School. She studied for a BA in Fine Art and History of Art at Magdalen College, Oxford University, before returning to her birthplace to pursue printmaking at Camberwell College of Art where she gained a Master’s degree. For many years, she produced sculptural pieces, but, in 20l0, returned to drawing, using graphite and colored pencils as well as Copic markers and other inks. She currently lives in Ashland, Oregon. Burbridge’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is in many corporate, museum, and private collections. She is represented by Nancy Toomey Fine Art.

The exhibition is curated by Jill Hartz, former executive director of the JSMA, and made possible by the Hartz FUNd for Contemporary Art. A catalog accompanies the exhibition and includes a Q&A with the artist and an essay by Emily Shinn, JSMA Curatorial Extern in American and European Art.