Featured image: Vantage, Richard Burke, 2019, stone sculpture, 18 x 12 x 8 in. / 45.72 x 30.48 x 20.32 cm.
Richard Burke's recent sculptural works present a profound engagement with nature, particularly through the majesty of birds, captured in mediums of bronze and limestone.
Richard Burke is a sculptor known for his evocative representations of birds, utilizing materials like bronze and limestone to capture their majestic and contemplative natures. His works blend realism with a profound appreciation for the natural world.
His sculptures, such as "Regalis," "Recluse," and "Ascent," exhibit a distinctive technique that blends realistic detail with the rugged essence of raw materials. Each piece not only highlights Burke's mastery over his craft but also his ability to evoke the spirit and essence of his avian subjects.
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Regalis (2024):
Regalis, Richard Burke, 2024, bronze, 23.5 x 12 x 6 in. / 59.69 x 30.48 x 15.24 cm.
"Regalis" is a stunning representation of a Ferruginous Hawk, meticulously crafted in bronze. The sculpture stands at 23.5 inches tall and impressively combines elegance and power. The hawk's poised demeanor and detailed texturing are emblematic of Burke's attention to the natural form and his skill in translating that into a lasting medium. This piece serves as a testament to the bird’s regal bearing and the artist’s ability to capture the subtle nuances of its majesty.
Recluse (2024):
Recluse, Richard Burke, 2024, limestone, 14 x 5 x 5 in. / 35.56 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm.
In "Recluse," Burke turns to limestone to sculpt a life-sized Spotted Owl. This sculpture, measuring 14 inches in height, showcases the artist’s prowess in carving and his delicate approach to portraying the owl's introspective nature. The choice of limestone enhances the visual texture, giving the piece a soft yet poignant presence. The owl's gaze is contemplative, inviting the viewer to reflect on the quiet beauty of this solitary bird.
Ascent (2023):
Ascent, Richard Burke, 2023, limestone, 16.5 x 9 x 8 in. / 41.91 x 22.86 x 20.32 cm.
"Ascent" portrays a Red-tailed Hawk in limestone, stretching 16.5 inches tall. This sculpture captures the essence of ascent, with the hawk's dynamic posture suggesting both movement and the anticipation of flight. Burke's work here is a balance of motion and stillness, achieved through the fluid lines and the rough, unpolished base that mimics the rugged landscapes these birds often inhabit.
Richard Burke’s latest series is a celebration of avian life, bringing the grandeur of birds to the realm of sculpture. His work not only pays homage to these creatures' intrinsic beauty and grace but also challenges the viewer to appreciate the profound connection between art and nature. Through "Regalis," "Recluse," and "Ascent," Burke continues to push the boundaries of sculpture, using his medium to tell stories of flight, introspection, and nobility.
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Solitary, Richard Burke, 2022, concrete, 17.5 x 7 x 6 in. / 44.45 x 17.78 x 15.24 cm.
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