Mary Lynn Burke

Boston-based contemporary abstract painter, creating large-scale paintings, photography and saltwater cyanotypes. Investigating self-acceptance, ambivalence with passing time and the transformative power of nature, particularly while living abroad in New Zealand. Represented by Portland Art Gallery in Portland, Maine. Small through monumental size prints available directly through artist, Mary Lynn Burke.

Blog

This blog began after our family moved to New Zealand in 2019. I had the idea to start a membership titled “PhotoDreamTrip”, which you will see scattered throughout the posts. The core idea and inspiration for “PhotoDreamTrip” remains, but I’m allowing the content to speak for itself. I’ll now begin writing here from present day, without reference to a membership.

We have long since returned to our home near Boston, Massachusetts (Aug 2021) and as I write this in July 2024, I have decided to restore these posts to my website just as they were written then.

Thank you for being here and for your compassion with the vulnerability that I share in my quest for self-discovery.

Please comment on posts or send along an email. I’ll always reply and appreciate your company.

If you’d like to know when new work and blog posts are added, you may subscribe here.

  • Sweet November
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    The opening reception at Portland Art Gallery on November 7th, 2024 was a well-attended, beautiful celebration of art, life and community. Each artist was provided an opportunity to discuss their art, process and meaning behind… Read more: Sweet November
  • The Exhibition is Live
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    My exhibit at Portland Art Gallery is live. Nothing could have been better than sharing this moment with my daughters! I was so delighted to view my exhibit, gorgeously curated by Emma Wilson, long-time Portland Art Gallery director.
  • Radio Maine Interview
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Artist Mary Lynn Burke interview with Radio Maine and Portland Art Gallery
  • November Exhibition at Portland Art Gallery
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Summer travel and the start to a new school year for our children kept our family busy and new paintings developed in sweet little pockets of time. Now that our daughters are off and running… Read more: November Exhibition at Portland Art Gallery
  • Summer Studio
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    This past week, our family traveled to Maine so that we could attend our very first opening reception at Portland Art Gallery, where my art has recently become represented. The opening was bustling with art… Read more: Summer Studio
  • Playing Small… intentionally?
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    It is becoming increasing clear that I am artistically restraining myself these days. Working small while thinking big. Making subtle movement while experiencing dramatic energy. Wiggling in the back, like a kitten preparing to pounce.… Read more: Playing Small… intentionally?
  • Yes and Now, Not ‘If and When’
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    The mood of my studio is one of hopeful disposition. Not only is it hopeful, it is encouraging, it believes in me and knows that I’ll find my way through challenges. The persona that envelops… Read more: Yes and Now, Not ‘If and When’
  • Between the tides
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    This week, I’ve felt the effects of leaving social media and perhaps the combination of loose and tight structure that I’m drifting between each day has left me feeling aimless. It’s interesting how calm I’ve… Read more: Between the tides
  • Unknowing
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t believe in knowledge and training. However, for me, in art and less critical aspects of existence, I feel strongly that the “unknowing” is where my best… Read more: Unknowing
  • The Share and Compare Effect
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    How have our brain’s have been altered to respond to visual imagery. If we are not very careful, we can begin to view our lives, bodies, families, homes, travels and even our meals through a distorted lens. Our very sense of self-acceptance and photography itself are at risk of a dysmorphic disorder.
  • Assuming You Know Me
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Today, I’d like to talk about two natural, but sometimes limiting aspects in our lives. I’m referring to assumptions and judgment in our social sphere. I believe that we have all been conditioned to respond… Read more: Assuming You Know Me
  • Adjustments Are Good For the Soul
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Today, as a practice in being vulnerable within our courageous community, I’d like to share a story about my journey towards finding my focus and purpose for PhotoDreamTrip. Currently, my ideas for PhotoDreamTrip are simply… Read more: Adjustments Are Good For the Soul
  • Your Work Might Look Different Than Mine, But…
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Has anyone ever implied that you don’t have a “job”? A conversation around what it means to you and to our society to “work” or to have “a job”.
  • Welcome to PhotoDreamTrip
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Welcome to PhotoDreamTrip
  • Dreams In a Time of Transition
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Hello again, finally! What happened to my goal of writing blog posts weekly? What happened to the big dream of mine to build this into a photography and blogging career? I promise that goal is… Read more: Dreams In a Time of Transition
  • What Does Authenticity Mean to You?
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    During our recent trip to the US, a friend challenged me to dig deeper into my quest for “authenticity”. Tired of reading only the surface of this topic, she all but rolled her eyes at… Read more: What Does Authenticity Mean to You?
  • The Best Place On Earth
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Now that our family has become more settled into life here in New Zealand, I have begun feeling more aware of…well, me. This is not about being a busy mom or working too many hours.… Read more: The Best Place On Earth
  • Hello!
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    Welcome to my Blog!Growing up, photography was a celebration in the form of slideshow parties in our living room. With each click of the carousel projector, a new vision would appear on our wall and… Read more: Hello!
  • Let’s Try Living On The Other Side Of The World.
    by Mary Lynn Burke
    American family experience moving abroad to New Zealand. This precise moment will be etched in my heart and mind forever. Landscape & Travel photography.