Mary Burke: Sacred PlacE
May 9 - May 31, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, May 9, 6-8 pm
DaSilva Gallery 897 Whalley Avenue New Haven, CT
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 PM
Experience the mystical beauty of Ireland through Sacred Place, now on view at DaSilva Gallery. Mary Burke’s evocative watercolors capture the spirit and presence of ancient landscapes, where ruins and coastlines speak of history, heritage, and quiet strength.
Ireland holds a profound and ancient spiritual history. Traveling across its countryside reveals countless sacred sites and ruins—reminders that, as poet John O’Donohue wrote, "Ruins are not empty. They are sacred places full of presence." The entire landscape of Ireland can be seen as a sacred place, rich with presence and memory. The work in Sacred Place reflects this sentiment, drawing inspiration from the raw beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and coastlines. There is a mystical, almost otherworldly quality to the Irish land that continues to inspire and move viewers.
Rooted in Celtic heritage and spiritual traditions, the creative process behind these pieces seeks to convey an emotional history rather than a literal representation. Each artwork evokes the feeling and mystical spirit of a landscape or the mesmerizing energy of the sea.
Each piece begins with a specific mood or idea, paired with a color palette and medium that resonate with the inspiration. Fluidity is key: materials—especially watercolor, with its unpredictable and expressive nature—are allowed to guide the process, uncovering memories and emotions embedded deep within.
The aim is to create a visual language for the soul—a way to foster quiet reflection and awareness in viewers, encouraging a deeper connection to both themselves and the world around them. Strength and beauty are found in simplicity.
About the Artist
Mary Burke graduated with honors from Crawford College of Art and Design in Ireland, specializing in printmaking. She has further refined her skills at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and Warehouse Studios. Her work spans multiple mediums, with watercolor being a particular passion, and has been exhibited nationally and internationally.