Christy Burdock is a painter and draughtswoman whose work often centres on people and the communities they form. Her paintings and drawings, held in numerous public and private collections, explore contemporary life through a lens that is both observant and philosophical. Researching in situ across the UK, she immerses herself in specific groups and social contexts before returning to her studio to work from memory. The resulting images are deeply rooted in the present moment yet layered with historical and cultural reference.
As Christy explains:
“Researching groups and communities, in situ, across the country, then drawing in my studio from memory, I create works that are based in the here and now, but steeped in philosophy and historical narrative. I have an interest in ideas, religion, history and heritage, communicating and reinterpreting emerging culture as it manifests within contemporary society.”
Coming from London, Christy’s time in rural Northumberland offered a striking contrast to her usual environment. The space and solitude of Highgreen allowed her to slow down, focus her research, and reflect on how landscape and community might influence her visual language.
“At VARC, I am looking forward to the quiet, some solitude and the beautiful surroundings and also looking forward to how the environment will affect my work. Currently, I work in a place choking with cars and buildings—this will be entirely different. It will be really good to have peace to develop my research, with space and time to concentrate.”
During her residency, Christy also played an active role in engaging local and visiting communities. She hosted an open studio event in November 2023, welcoming visitors to see her work in progress and discuss her practice. She supported Newcastle University Fine Art students during their week-long residency at VARC, offering guidance and insight into her process. In early 2024, she led a drawing class for local residents and facilitated mosaic workshops for North Tyne WI members. In April, she collaborated with Sensation Studios, hosting painting and mosaic sessions that encouraged creative participation and exchange.
Christy’s residency culminated in her final exhibition Labour of Love. The show brought together the threads of these months of research, reflection, and community engagement—an evocative meditation on people, place, and the quiet act of observing life unfold.
