Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But for an artist it is so much more.  Artists copy or borrow from other artists to learn and grow more than to flatter.  When local artist Carol Burnett encountered the work of Lynchburg artist Queena Stovall over twenty years ago, she knew that she not only encountered a kindred spirit, but had found a lifelong artistic mentor as well.  “I loved her imagination, her compositions and the natural way that she captured life as it was,” explain Burnett of her decades long admiration of Stovall’s painting.

While these two local treasures never met, they share a similar artistic vision and journey. Like Stovall, Burnett is a self-taught artist who is drawn to depict fond memories, people, place and events in her past.  And also like Stovall, Burnett found a primitive painterly style to express herself and tell her stories.

For her new show at Goose Creek Studio, Burnett returns to the much-admired images and subject matter that inspired her decades ago. “I used Queena Stovall’s painting as my basic composition and narrative, but I put my own spin on it,” says Burnett describing this new body of work.  A positive and respectful response to the color and whimsical subject matter she has long loved.

In addition to Goose Creek Studio, Burnett’s work can also be found at Town Kitchen and Provisions (309 N. Bridge Street in Bedford.)

A reception with the artist will be held at Goose Creek Studio (302 Court Street in Bedford) during 2nd Friday, June 8, 5:00-8:00 pm.

For more information, see http://www.goosecreekstudio.com or call (540) 586-8482.