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Discharge painting on cotton with found objects
Dimensions: 61.5 x 41.5 x .75
Gift of the artist, 2004

The Artwork

Olive green cloth painted with sewn in plant and mixed media materials appear to show the impression of the vertebra column and rib bones. Six objects are sewn along the vertical center line representing the spine. The artist used bilateral symmetry to achieve balance, and the resulting composition of the backbone represents the resiliency of Oklahomans.

The Artist

Mary Burks received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma in 1975. She would later study at both Indiana University and Purdue University. She spent the next years working in university and public libraries. In 1997, Burks began her career as a full-time artist. She has since exhibited her works in fiber across the United States in solo and group shows. Her work is included in public and private collections in New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Oklahoma.