Working in both photography and painting, Ms. Burke has been exhibiting since 1983. She received her BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts in 1989. Her most recent work has been small-scale watercolors. For her, painting is a "journey of discovery. The process is my reason to paint."

Thoughts:

As I painted this mask for the Hospice Mask Project, I thought about suffering and pain, courage and strength. Symbols related to my contemplation started to appear. For me, the fish symbolizes abundance, strength and sacredness. Fire, as seen in the hair, relates to transformation, transmutation and the Great Mystery. The trees speak of the connection to Earth and sky, the life-force giver, a sense being rooted to the present. When I finished the mask, I felt I had ended another journey; that a new friend/spirit had emerged. I pass it on, hoping it sparks inspiration and contributes to the success of the Hospice Mask Project.