Also worked professionally as: Nancy Solberg (1975–82), Starosky (1982-1998), Burack (1998–2022)
Highlights of My Work:
- Invited painter to the Florence Biennale, Italy, for painting in 2023, 2025 with invitation extended for 2027.
- Editor-in-Chief, writer and designer of Prattfolio, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY.
- Designer and illustrator for major university publications including Indiana, Temple, and Penn State.
- Federal Courtroom artist in Philadelphia and New York.
- Solo exhibition, On Home Ground, The National Arts Club, New York, NY, (2009-2010).
I am a visual artist, illustrator , and writer working in layered narrative realism. My work centers on the act of making - painters, bakers, gardeners, and everyday labor - rendered through observation, memory, and constructed interior worlds of my own over several decades, my studio practice has moved fluidly between fine art, editorial work, and institutional publishing, forming a continuing body of work grounded in storytelling and craft.
Back Then & Now - Foundations: Illustration, Design, Editorial Work have lived a hands-on, fully creative life in distinct chapters. A native New Yorker educated in the public school system, I later earned a Master's Degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. I presently live and work in Easton, PA near both New York and Philadelphia.
I have always worked with my hands - drawing, painting, writing, designing, sewing, floral arranging, gardening, building and cooking. I thrive on both self-imposed and professional deadlines. My work has been exhibited at The National Arts Club and the Society of Illustrators in New York where I am a member of both. I am also a long-time member of The Author's Guild and The Graphic Artist's Guild.
The 1970'sI began professionally as a newspaper designer and illustrator at at Indiana University's School of Journalism (1975-1977) Bloomington, IN, working for Indiana Daily Student.
I later moved back to New York, freelancing in advertising and animation, including work with Young &. Rubicam and Zanders Animation Studio. I also worked briefly with Conde Nast and contributed toThe Staten Island Advance.
The 1980’s Based in Pennsylvania, I worked as a graphic designer, editor, and illustrator for Temple University and other institutions.
I received my first CASE award for design excellence, along with recognition from Philadelphia's Women in Communications. I continued freelance work with Lafayette and Muhlenberg Colleges, as well as Lehigh and Penn State. My most recognized project from this period wasDonegalSquare (1984-93), along with mural work for Musikfestin Bethlehem, PA.
The 1990’sIn a decisive mid-life return to fine arty, I earned my Master's degree in Illustration from Syracuse University (1992-94), studying with leading illustrators and artists traveling to cities across the country and residence at the main campus.
After returning to Manhattan in 1995, I became n Artist Member of the Society of Illustrators and worked there across freelance illustration, research, and publishing.
I returned to editorial and graphic design as Editor in Chief ofPrattfolio (1996-98), where I led its transformation into an award-winning magazine (Gold Case Award, 1997).
I also freelanced for Jim Henson Associates and later worked briefly as a photographer for The New York Post.
2000 Forward I developed a significant body of courtroom illustration work in the New York State Supreme Court (2003-04), followed by continued studio practice across painting, writing, and photography.
Recent work includes courtroom illustration in U.S. Federal Court, Philadelphia (2019-2021), and Creative Direction, design, and illustration for the documentary Tommy and Me (2020–21).
In 2023, I was invited to exhibit at the XV Florence Biennale. The experience marked a turning point, influencing a new direction in my painting. I returned again in 2025 and have been invited for 2027.
Continuing Work My focus is now on new paintings, while reorganizing and revaluing a large body of work accumulated over the decades.
I am developing a new photography platform for print reproduction along with a stock photography presence with Adobe.
At this time, original works are not being offered for sale.
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Thank you for taking the time to review my work and biography.
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