Burke's Works: Artist Inansi's Arresting Alchemy of Colour, Shape and Emotions

"That man is a success

who has lived well,
Laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of
children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
Whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul,
Who never lacked appreciation of the earth's beauty or failed to
express it;
Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."

--Robert Louis Stevenson

The above quote was, ironically, not included in a revealing and engaging parlour game of artist/artistic quotations that comprised the centrepiece of the opening of the solo show by artist Nancy Burke (who signs as INANSI) at Kingston's Cafe What's On Friday last, but it may as well have been. It aptly describes the range and impact of her portfolio -  a cornucopia of colour and shape which in its totality represented only a fraction of what Burke has produced over a lifetime of devotion to art and crafts.

"Heartfelt"

led by sister Virginia, herself a mutli-faceted (graphic artist, cookbook author, businesswoman) the exercise called upon guests at the show to read

Usain

select quotes (alphabetically coded) from the likes of Oscar Wilde, Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Scott Adams (the cartoonist of "Dilbert" fame).

After each quote, Virginia, with timely interventions from her sister and other guests, filled in the gathering on "the back story" as it were, of Nancy's artistic life, from naturistic beginnings to sojourns in London and New York, to running -together - the art-based business Art Beat. (The name has survived, but the initial business in NYC was beat back by high costs and dodgy customers), with intervening stints as a flight attendant with the former Air Jamaica.

As stated, the works on display reflect a wide range of fascinations and ideas, from representing the faces  of famous persons, like Usain Bolt and Grace Jones, on smooth stones, to personal catharsis "Heartfelt" and keen, sensitive observations of contemporary urban landscapes. On the latter score, her assemblages of various city scapes, piecing together the flotsam and jetsam of today's convenience-driven world, bring the challenges and the complexities of our present-day life into sharp focus, and with a welcome sprinkle of good humour.

Big Rat

The occasion was in fact a double treat as it also marked the birthday of What's On proprietor Suzanne Couch, herself capable of weaving magic in the culinary and musical spheres. There wraps, wine  and other goodies courtesy of her more-than-capable kitchen, and the obligatory birthday cake in sumptuous chocolate. In between repeated casual and serious viewings of the works, there were conversations on a plethora of subjects, some sparked by a particular piece, others just  issuing forth on their own steam. Its the kind of vibe that one would expect from an artist of Burke's sensibilities - no great airs, no stuffiness, but serious dedication to producing the work that best represents her states of "heart and mind" in the present, and the kind of work  which, like the verbal expressions of the famous quoted subjects, will stand for quite some time.

"Winter Reflections"

"Paper Goddess"

Inansi