Valerie Burkes is a figurative abstract artist whose creative journey began with a simple Paint-By-Numbers kit and evolved into a deeply expressive artistic practice. Her work serves as a therapeutic outlet, transforming personal struggles and inner thoughts into vivid visual forms. Deeply inspired by her love for community and the richness of African American experiences, Valerie uses everyday life as the foundation for her art. Her signature use of outlined imagery symbolizes the limitations imposed by society and the self. Through her work, she aims to challenge these boundaries and inspire viewers to recognize the inherent beauty and significance in all people and everyday moments.