Let Your Mind Wander No. 2

24″h x 22″w x 2 1/2″
© PJ Bergin
$1100, frame included

Mulberry Paper (Hanji), Thread

Creating the “Jiao Ceng” series during the early months of the pandemic led me through a meditation I was not expecting, but now appreciate. The circles seem to be the messages in my mind at the time, coming back to the same conclusions over and over again: “Keep hope and optimism as all will be OK”. The bursts of brighter colors speak of this mantra too. The feeling of hope, along with uncertainty, prevailed. The “Jiao Ceng” theme in this series takes inspiration from the direct Chinese translation meaning “stitched layers”. It can be a metaphor for the multiple layers we have in our lives all the while keeping day to day living “stitched together”.

The “Jiao Ceng” series is my interpretation of our world in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. This time of the unknown forced me into the present. I began a meditation, manifested in this artwork, I was not expecting, but now appreciate.

Each artwork is framed in plexiglass. Aside from protecting the artwork, it can also be a metaphor for the way we have had to protect ourselves and each other. While standing in front of each piece in the series your face reflects back to you as your thoughts meander.

Ready for Hanging. The Plexiglas, contemporary frame, included, gives the illusion of the artwork floating off the wall.