‘SLOWLY’ Knox College Artist in Residence Exhibit

 I am often struck by beauty in a way that slightly breaks my heart. These moments interrupt the predictability of everyday life, reminding me that no moment will ever occur in quite the same way again. My work explores the desire to pause and notice the quiet beauty constantly unfolding around us. 

My name is Ruby Burke and I am the Artist in Residence at Knox College. This exhibition ‘Slowly’ reflects both the way I want to experience the world, and the gradual unfolding of my artistic journey.

I began drawing at 10 years old, initially focusing on portraiture. I was interested not only in capturing a person’s likeness, but something of their essence.

 I started acrylic painting at 13, began sharing my work in local shows and markets, and at 17 presented my first solo exhibition.

During my late teens I became unwell with a number of autoimmune conditions and spent the better part of two years in bed. Any energy I had would be dedicated to painting, which gave me a sense of moving forward when much of my life was on hold. ‘Golden Scars’, ‘Sailing in the Sky’ and ‘The Living and the Eternal’ are pieces from this phase of life.

I moved to Dunedin and into Knox College in 2024. I created the portrait ‘So Loved’ before shifting my focus towards the beauty of my new home, painting ‘Celestial Sea’, ‘Downpour’ and ‘High Tide’. 

With the desire to progress my Art I reached out to New Zealand Artist Sir Grahame Sydney, and from his encouragement made the move into working with oil paint. The transition has been challenging and humbling, requiring me to become a beginner again. ‘Morning Light on Lilies’, my first official oil painting, marks the beginning of this next stage in my journey.

A special thank you to Knox College, Sir Grahame Sydney, my family and friends, and to you for supporting me.

R.R.Burke