About

David Burling is a Santa Fe based artist working in a wide range of materials, often found objects, both natural and industrial, from flowers to rusted steel sawblades.

info@davidburlingstudio.com

505.466.8011

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am attracted to the beauty, complexity, and fragility of nature and to the rugged, imaginative structures of industry–often in stark contrast. I continually seek and collect intriguing natural objects, from seeds and blossoms to shells and animal skeletons on land or in the sea, as well as industrial objects, from rusting cans in the desert to integrated circuits of old computers. I am attracted to their varying forms, colors, materials and tactility, inspiring me to design and make something I hope will awaken in the viewer a respect and awe in the world around us, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, honoring them all.

BIO

After a short career in the law (1977-1991), David started designing and crafting one of a kind and custom furniture. Eventually he began exploring turning wood pieces and then metal-making to incorporate into his furniture. The metalworking courses are in the sculpture department and he was quickly seduced by the more spontaneous and nonfunctional process often employed in sculpture. He became fascinated by the options of using many materials in mixed media projects, and the varied surface designs possible.

View Past Furniture Work

Past Shows

Oshara Village Plaza, May 2019-ongoing

Santa Fe Home Expo, March 2019

Molecule Show, 3/9/18-3/20/18

Santa Fe Community College Visual Arts Gallery, 9/21-11/1/17

Santa Fe Home Expo, March 2016: First prize for sculpture

Common Ground, Santa Fe Community Gallery, September – October 2015

Education

Santa Fe Community College, 1993-present, primarily in sculpture and fine furniture

Virginia Commonwealth University, Dept. of Arts and Crafts 1993

Oregon School of Arts and Crafts 1992

San Francisco City College, Woodworking 1990-91

Georgetown University Law Center, JD 1977

Stanford University, BA 1973