About Me

I’m trained in painting, drawing, and printmaking at Brown University, where I studied under artists Richard Fishman, Wendy Edwards, Walter Feldman, and Jane Masters. I balance my time teaching with work in the studio. My artistic interests range from traditional naturalism, with emphasis on nature and the human form to pure abstraction of color and form. I find inspiration and ideas in culture, the unknown, physics, and metaphysics.

Some of my favorite artists, people whose work has resonated with me over the years, include Lee Bontecou, Victor Vassarelly, Andy Warhol, and Alex Grey. If I could sum up my philosophy of art in a few sentences… I believe the act of fashioning things from the material world is one of the most primal urges we as humans have. In creation, there is the opportunity to access areas of the human psyche made remote by hundreds of thousands of years of human evolution. The important thing for me is the making, and I believe that when the artist lets the making taking place instead of trying to control it, beauty can naturally find avenues for spontaneous development.

I occasionally show my work locally, but prefer the making of art over the marketing of it. If you’re interested in attending an opening, add your email address to the invitation list at the bottom right of my gallery, and I’ll be sure to personally invite you to upcoming receptions & openings. I’m also a nerd when it comes to the internet. As a young teacher, I have the unique opportunity to bring technology into the classroom, and explore the intersections between the rapidly evolving fields of art and technology. The importance of digital networks cannot be overstated, and I’m glad to work with younger people have the presence of mind to realize this. It’s exciting to imagine what they may one day do with all this technology. There’s great possibility, here.

Graphic design and commercial art, while not my ideal pursuits, do help pay the bills. I’ve done some web design, but mostly design for print and publication, ranging from custom print layouts for magazines, tabloids, posters, music albums, event announcements, to personalized bus wraps and company branding. If you have a need for graphic services, Burns Graphic Arts is here to help. If you’re looking for fine art, please browse my gallery. Original artworks are available for purchase. Feel free to contact me at sheamusburns@gmail.com for more information on pricing.

Commissioning a painting or drawing for a special occasion, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary is a unique and meaningful way to send a message. Prices vary based on size, materials, and subject. Inquire for details. Thanks for taking the time to wander around my sites. Check back often.