Justin Bursk

Justin Bursk at Cerulean Arts

I use what I use to do what I do to get done what I need to get done. Small pieces of paper with water-based materials are utilized with two circles to enter the work and begin a visual conversation. My objects look back at you and ultimately, I place myself and the viewer in that space between action and observation. The act of looking and the role of the artist verse viewer are situations that interest me and motivate my making. Sometimes my work contains images of water, boats, grass, legs and mountains- mainly as symbols of searching, looking, waiting or hoping but in the end, imagery is just comforting. When people recognize things, they feel safe and empowered to make judgements and connections to themselves and their own lives. These pictorial steps, for me, relate to the way I interact with the world around me. I stumble, I stamp, I yell and I whisper, hoping and searching for an experience that can stop me in my tracks. I hope my work comes across as humble and sincere.
My Sculptures allow for a tinkering I don't get from my paintings. They are connected to the paintings in their humble and makeshift aesthetic as well as including themes of play and exploration. I use windup toys because I enjoy the interactivity that breaks some traditional sculptural rules. The humble status of these cheap toys makes the interaction both casual and fleeting yet meaningfully connected to our pasts. This allows for a playful experience that I think breaks down some barriers that viewers and people in general can create. The objects are again boats and mountains creating a very common and relatable image. I hope my moving mountains provide a moment to witness hope and effort.

A colorful abstract artwork with two bright yellow starburst shapes, surrounded by layered green, blue, purple, red, and orange geometric patterns, mounted on a dark textured wooden frame against a light gray wall.

Before It's All Gone, gouache, ink and pencil, 6" x 9" Available

An abstract geometric art print featuring two white spiral circles on a background of green, blue, and pink triangles, displayed against a plain white wall.

An abstract geometric art print featuring two white spiral circles on a background of green, blue, and pink triangles, displayed against a plain white wall.

All of It, watercolor, gouache, ink and pencil, 7" x 11" Available

A colorful abstract artwork featuring two oval blue-and-white water scenes with boats, set against a repeating green and brown geometric triangle pattern.

A colorful abstract artwork featuring two oval blue-and-white water scenes with boats, set against a repeating green and brown geometric triangle pattern.

Through the Night, watercolor, ink and pencil, 24" x 36" Available

A handmade decorative sailing ship sculpture made from a green clay-like base, brown branches, and white fabric sails, photographed against a plain light gray studio background.

A handmade decorative sailing ship sculpture made from a green clay-like base, brown branches, and white fabric sails, photographed against a plain light gray studio background.

Living to See Your Independence, wind up walker, model magic, sticks, fabric, 8" x 7" x 6" Available

A miniature dark green textured volcano with a small white cloud accessory, photographed on a light gray background.

A miniature dark green textured volcano with a small white cloud accessory, photographed on a light gray background.

Everyday Vesuvius, pull cord vibrator, foam, faux fur, 8" x 8" x 8" Available

Abstract art print featuring two large circular forms, one blue and one green, intersecting with diagonal yellow and orange geometric lines over a textured blue and white background.

Abstract art print featuring two large circular forms, one blue and one green, intersecting with diagonal yellow and orange geometric lines over a textured blue and white background.

The First Inhabitants or the Beginning of the End, gouache, pencil, sun print paper, 6" x 9" Available