PJ Bergin is passionate about creating artwork from natural materials that transform interior spaces. Recently, PJ began to develop the “joomchi” technique, an ancient art form from Korea, using mulberry paper. The mulberry paper (hanji) can be hand formed into 3-dimensional, sculptural objects and intricate wall pieces when water is applied. This exploration of texture and 3 dimensional qualities is essential to PJ’s artwork and its visual presence.
In today’s world, how can we create an environment that will help us achieve our goals both personal and professional?
Original artwork can be used as a key element to develop this type of creative space. Art is no longer a symbol of status, but a tool to inspire. By having artwork in our environment, we are able to see the world from a different outlook as the artist created his vision. This interpretation can help us approach our daily life and its challenges in a new, more creative way. From this perspective, innovative thinking is developed.
One of my goals for the artwork you will see here is that each time a person walks by one of the Joomchi pieces mounted on the beeswax surface, there will be something new to “catch the eye”. Whether it is the way a beam of light falls on a certain fold in the hanji paper or how it creates a new shadow not seen earlier that day, there is a renewed interest. Art can be the inspiration for us to feel the same sense of renewal as we solve problems and create solutions in our daily lives.
See PJ’s Artwork
Studio 126, Salida, CO is open every day!
Please call ahead to make an appointment.
PJ will enjoy meeting you, showing you the studio and the magic of working with Hanji.
Please send PJ an email or give her a call at 719-221-3840 to set up a time to visit.
Just as a sculptor makes a maquette to explore technique and design for future commissions, I do the same with smaller artwork. I begin each piece with no conceived plan, putting together different shapes and colors, analyzing as I go — hence the name of the series, “Serendipity.”
The Series incorporates elements familiar in PJ’s work: Asian calligraphy, manga and hand-rolled Hanji twine. Pictured here is “Serendipity No. 13”
We are all probably looking back to early January, 2020 when the new year was looking bright. The calendar was beginning to fill with engagements. Excitement was in the air – a new decade upon us! It was not long before it turned to a......
There are many reasons the sonobe cube is such a compelling art challenge for me. One, of course, is working with the unusual colors. There are the brilliant colors of Japanese origami paper and unpredictable hues from the “Sunday NY Times”. The other is the......
Attaining visual interest with color and texture is the fun part of working with Hanji, the handmade mulberry paper from Korea. It begins with experimentation and observing how the colors of the various papers play off each other. My fingers get into the action by......
