Clare Burke is a practicing art therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at the Institute for Therapy through the Arts in Evanston. In 2020, Clare began experiencing widespread chronic pain throughout her whole body. When the pain did not subside, she was referred to the Pain Management Program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The program helped Clare reconnect with herself and other individuals suffering from chronic pain. Creating art has always been an extremely therapeutic experience for Clare. Her preferred creative medium is to work with hand-cut paper collage. She primarily utilizes magazines in her collage work, specifically National Geographic, fashion magazines and, lately, vintage Women’s Day and Life magazines from the 1960s and 1970s. She gravitates towards images of nature, outer space and empowered female characters. To Clare, creating art is a way to both connect with others and reconnect with herself.
I live with stage-four heart failure. In November 2023, I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation following my second heart pump implant. That was when I was introduced to art therapy. Art and music keep me grounded and assist me when I begin to experience unpleasant memories. It makes me more relaxed. Art therapy is helping me to heal. I’m very spiritual. Therefore, my creative work is guided by the spirit of God. I use various medium including fabrics, acrylics, wood, various paints, crochet and silk flowers. We are all here for a breath. It’s up to each of us to make the best of it, regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for appreciating my style as an artist.
Wade Watkins Family Tree 8”x10”
Faith 8”x10”
Heartscape 8.5”x10.5”
Reboot 8”x10”
Christmas 10”x8”
My Tees Matter 8”x10”
Legacy 10”x8”
Centered 11”x11”
Juneteenth Peace Walk 8”x10”
Juneteenth Free 10”x8”
Coquina Sunrise 10.75”x8.75”
Heart Relief 10”x8”
Autumn on Canvas 8”x10”
Gratitude 8”x10”
Nature’s Balance 11”x5.75”
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