Abandoned figures: This Edmond artist abandoned form for texture
EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR) — Mountains and valleys, crashing ocean waves, even molten lava.
Artist Jerry Bergin actually likes it when someone sees something in his work that he never intended.
Pugh Garden is an Oasis in a Sea of Grass
“I know people see all kinds of different things in them,” he says.
Educated in traditional and figurative art, but over the course of his career — from commercial to cabinetry and faux finish plaster, he found himself much more drawn to texture until it jumped right off the canvas.
“My goal has always been to push texture art as far as it can go,” he argues.
Bergin is still experimenting with materials in his two-car garage studio.
His media consists of cement and other compounds to help it stick to wood backing and bend to his manipulations.
“Because,” he insists, “I’m always trying to see what different effects I can get.”
The classic figure is completely gone now. “It’s almost instinctual,” he says.
“Like frozen moments,” we offer. “Yeah, that’s actually a good way to look at it,” he responded.
One big piece might take a week to complete, texture first, then shading with paint.
They change with light, shadow, and viewing angle.
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Pugh Garden is an Oasis in a Sea of Grass
Bergin takes his creations, both large and small, to art shows all over the country.
He travels over mountains, beside the ocean waves, and all around the orbit of artistic expression.
“What abstract artists who use oil paints try to do with color and brushstrokes, I’m trying to do with movement and patterns, and texture,” Bergin said.
What it looks like is for the viewer to decide. What it feels like is always more important.
Jerry Bergin is one of 90 artists showing work at the 2024 Paseo Arts Festival, May 25th to May 27th.
For more information on the festival you can visit their website. And to learn more about the art of Jerry Bergin, visit his website.
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