big pagoda press release 2003

For Immediate Release

BIG PAGODA COMPANY

CONTACT:

Kurt Silver, Big Pagoda Company, (415) 296-8881, info@bigpagoda.com
Gary Carr, Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations, (925) 672-8717, carrpool@pacbell.net

In its expanded Union Square location, Big Pagoda Gallery features latest paintings by Gregory Burns,
September 4th – 30th.

Bold Abstractions of “Migrations and Transitions”
Spring from Painter’s Return to his Roots after Asian Wanderings

San Francisco, July 30, 2003. Artist Gregory Burns returns to Big Pagoda Gallery with a new set of bold, abstract paintings the document his inner quest over the past year. In a show entitled Migrations and Transitions, Burns presents what he terms a series of “postcards” from starting, transitioning, and resting points along his latest journey of the mind. The show runs from September 4th through 30th at Big Pagoda Gallery, 310 Sutter Street in San Francisco.

In his current paintings, Burns moves farther from the iconic depiction of actual Far Eastern spiritual places and ritual symbols that characterized his “Sacred Sites” show last fall at Big Pagoda. While Burns continues to rely on large canvases and a palette of deep reds, yellows, and blues, his suggestions of temples, bridges, and sacred objects have melded into more abstract shapes – whorls and calligraphic-like strokes emblazoned on rich primary-colored grounds.

Gregory Burns’ 18-year journey throughout Asia resulted in his “Sacred Sites” paintings. The present Migrations and Transitions show represents a change for him – a return to his Northern California origins.

“All creatures migrate, and all creatures come to rest,” he says.

“Whales and birds seek distant birthing and feeding grounds, while humans search for freedom and opportunity through migration. As an artist, my search for deeper meanings includes voyages across five continents and fifty countries.”

“During the summer of 2002, I was blessed with a fine studio converted from a former horse stable. Here, I felt alive and close to nature. My transition from traveling amongst architectural and religious landscapes to sitting quietly with natural vistas, birds, and deer brought me back to my roots.”

Burns’ life is one of ironic juxtapositions. In a world where sports and the arts seem often at odds, Gregory Burns proves that the two can co-exist on the highest levels. Burns is a world champion swimmer who has won gold medals and broken world records in the last three Paralympic Games. As an artist, he has seen his work exhibited in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Osaka, London, San Francisco, and elsewhere in the U.S. and Europe.

After moving to Asia in 1984, Burns backpacked for 16 months throughout China, Nepal, Tibet, India, and Pakistan. While in Asia, he studied the art and architecture of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Burns holds a minor in Fine Art from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MFA in Painting from R.M.I.T. in Melbourne, Australia. He also spent two years studying Chinese painting and calligraphy at Cheng Chi University in Taipei.

Big Pagoda opened its new store and gallery on June 27 at 310 Sutter Street, one block east of San Francisco’s Union Square. It has moved from its former location on Fillmore Street.

Big Pagoda Company is located at 310 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 - 6:00, and Sunday, Noon to 5:00. Telephone (415) 296-8881; Fax (415) 296-8818. E-mail info@bigpagoda.com. Call toll-free at (877)-BPAGODA (272-4632) or visit the web site at www.bigpagoda.com.