Distinctly Montana Magazine

Distinctly Montana Fall 2020

Distinctly Montana Magazine

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w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 43 of connecting with animals. Most veterinar- ians are intuitive and extremely mindful of animal behavior. Feeling the unbounded joy of a dog, understanding the fear of an abused or neglected animal, recognizing unspoken pain, and constant animal observation have made me a better doctor, wife, mother and friend. By watching, waiting, analyzing and SEEING animals, wildlife and their habitat, I feel a spir- itual connection with my creator that one can develop if open to the encounter. The powers of observation from a veterinary standpoint cannot be minimized. This spills over to a constant observation of one's surroundings in terms of light, color, value and most impor- tantly, soulful connection. YOUR PAINTINGS CAPTURE THE WILD SPIRIT OF A PLACE, WHILE ALSO CON- VEYING A SENSE OF SERENITY. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AND THE WILD? Nothing centers me more than sitting and absorbing a magnifi- cent location before I paint. I listen, smell and enjoy my surround- ings. I observe. I usually give thanks for the opportunity to be there. I lose myself as I begin to paint. No other thoughts wander into my mind, and I become consumed with the experience. All of these thoughts, sensory images and emotions will usually stay with me when I leave. I can and will recall these whether I complete the painting later in the studio, but especially if I return to the location. I find this process to be the most fulfilling part of painting, and I eagerly anticipate my feelings. WAS IT A NATURAL ATTRACTION, OR DID YOU INTENTIONALLY SET OUT TO CAPTURE SPORTSMEN, WILDLIFE, AND LANDSCAPES? Having grown up in Eastern Kentucky in the heart of Appalachia on a dairy farm, I come from a family of outdoorsmen. Hunting, fishing and long walks in the woods were a given for my family. When I married my husband, Ken Burgwin, also a veterinarian, waterfowler and fly fisherman extraordinaire, I was attracted to his love of the outdoors! There was a shared sense of values and love of nature that cemented our relationship. I accompany him as he pursues his fly-fishing craft. As the great artist, Frank Dumond, said, "Trout only live in beautiful places." Painting landscapes comes from a deep-rooted desire to enjoy and live in the moment while being outside. Paint- ings of my husband and sons in the outdoors were inevitable. And having a heartbeat in a painting gives the piece life! WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW, AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING WITH YOUR ART OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? I am very busy painting! I did three plein air events this sum- mer and have one more on the schedule this fall. Currently, I am completing a commission as well as cramming in the initial starts for as many new paintings as possible before winter sets in. I am exploring different grounds and palettes. I am enjoying painting over old paintings, a process which can yield interesting effects. I am constantly trying new techniques. We are building a new studio for me and a woodworking shop for hubby. I look forward to getting back to teaching and holding court on a regular basis for other local artists in my new digs. Painting is similar to practicing medicine. One practices the avo- cation for years but never, ever becomes perfect in implementation. Artists and doctors must constantly search and seek knowledge, then attempt to apply such in an impactful manner. Learning is nev- er ending, and I hope to continue to learn through other generous artists, books and trial and error. For the rest of my life, I see myself plodding along, applying my excellent work ethic, being a sponge for information, reading, observing, and enjoying life as I paint and learn. As long as I can get outdoors, as long as I can create, then I will be happy. Without a doubt, I am blessed. "I look for paintings everywhere. I SEE SOMETHING INTERESTING AND TRY TO IMAGINE HOW I COULD MAKE A PAINTING FROM THAT I SEE. " GALLATIN STRIKE FALL ON ROCK CREEK

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