Christopher Burkett was born in 1951 and grew up in Oregon. In 1975, while he was a brother in a Christian order, he became interested in photography as a means of expressing the grace, light and beauty he saw present in the world of nature. Over the next fifty years, he has continuously perfected his craft so that photography could be the means for him to express his innermost feelings and inspiration. He works with color 8 x 10″ and medium format transparencies.
In 1979, Burkett left the brotherhood to pursue photography and married his wife, Ruth. He learned the offset printing process and ran large four-color printing presses and later laser drum scanners to making detailed color separations. Years of experience in the printing trade helped him develop his fine discernment of color and a deep understanding and mastery of color and tone reproduction.
The world untouched and undefiled by man is one of indescribable beauty and wonder: a world filled with light and peace. The miracle of life unfolds before our eyes and is seen in the tapestry of creation. All of our world, each living cell, every stone and drop of water, even the air and light around us, reflects and mirrors the glory and presence of the Creator and calls us to respond with wonder and praise.
Photography is an expression of the world we live in and of what we see and experience. The purpose of my photography is to provide a brief, though veiled, glimpse into a clear and brilliant world of light, life and love. To the extent that these photographs may help open one’s eyes and heart to that reality is the extent to which these images succeed.
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Burkett has traveled extensively throughout the United States to photograph, usually with the assistance of Ruth . His masterful printing and numerous exhibitions brought him international acclaim. His Cibachrome prints are featured in many public and private fine art collections. Burkett also taught workshops sponsored through the Friends of Photography, Anderson Ranch Arts Center and others.
Burkett became a recognized national expert in printing Cibachrome (Ilfochrome Classic Deluxe) by virtue of his use of sophisticated and unique contrast and color correction masking techniques. His refined printing skills create exceptional prints with luminosity, depth and life. He personally meticulously prints by hand 8 x 10" transparencies to 20 x 24", 30 x 40", and 40 x 50" and medium format to 20x20”, 30x30” and 40x40” with impressive sharpness and rich, balanced tonalities. All images are archivally matted, signed and numbered by the artist.
