ABOUT
In the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s Far North, where the beauty of nature intertwines with the nuances of creative expression, Stefan Burrows discovered his profound passion for painting.
Now residing in Sydney, Australia, Burrows is a self-taught landscape artist who began refining his skills at the tender age of eight. With nearly two decades of unwavering dedication to his craft, his distinctive style has garnered recognition in private collections spanning New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Germany.
a humble beginning
Burrows’ artistic journey is characterised by a commitment to self-teaching and a spirit of continuous experimentation. A significant source of inspiration for him came from the encouragement of his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in his early artistic development.
“I was rarely seen engaging in activities beyond sports and drawing, and it was not until my Baba [grandmother] gently nudged me towards an old easel she had in storage that I began to explore the world of painting.”
Initially captivated by the intricate interplay of light, colour, and shadow within his grandmother’s garden, it was not until he ventured to the dramatic, ever-changing landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island that his admiration for landscape painting truly ignited.
“I first travelled to the South Island in 2009, flying into Christchurch and journeying through Arthur’s Pass to Westport. The trip took me down the west coast, where I marvelled at the sights of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, before moving inward to Wanaka and Queenstown, ultimately returning to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo. The experience was a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours, forms, and energy - I was instantly captivated.”
For Burrows, nature transcends mere subject matter; it embodies an emotional experience that resonates deeply within him. His paintings encapsulate fleeting moments of beauty, evoking a profound connection to the landscapes he depicts. In an era marked by relentless change, Burrows endeavours to preserve the memories associated with specific environments, creating a lasting testament to their beauty.
“If I can capture the emotion an environment holds, then I have achieved my purpose as an artist.”
With a solid foundation in architecture, having earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The University of Auckland, Burrows infuses his artistic practice with a unique perspective. His understanding of architectural principles has further refined his comprehension of how light interacts with objects and how shadows influence surrounding forms. This technical expertise is palpable in his work, where precision harmoniously coexists with emotional depth, resulting in compositions that are both meticulously crafted and deeply personal.
Through his pieces, Stefan invites viewers to immerse themselves in a sensory experience that resonates with one’s own feelings, fostering a dialogue between observer and the artist.
