Nature and Beyond: Paintings 2019-20

After many years away from spray painting, I returned to the medium in 2019. I fell in love once again with the power of enamel spray to evoke photo-like realism and deep spaces, a mysterious beauty,
alternately highly realistic or abstract. With nature as my primary subject matter, form, and content, I
created many works over the past two years. These were featured in local one- and two-person
shows entitled “Inspired by Nature.” But I also produced works that went beyond nature as you will
see; thus the title of the current show.

Because I tend to work in series, I have organized the Eastern Mennonite University show accordingly.
The largest number of works are from the “Nature Series” and most are “Untitled” to encourage the
viewer’s personal aesthetic experience. Other nature-centered series include “Dancers” and
“Tiepolana.” These titles, especially “Dancers,” are more specific and suggestive.

"Crown of Thorns” is a kind of hybrid series, building from the forms of nature but extending beyond
them to evoke religious and human meanings. “Trellis” is another hybrid type, featuring a human-
made garden product interlaced with nature’s own forms.

Departing nature entirely for the world of manufactured items is the “Paintbrush Series” with four
distinct groupings. Among the many paintbrush paintings, don’t miss the two small works with
electrical plugs as the protagonists.

During this fraught time of pandemic, social unrest, and political change, may the creative arts bring
forth our humanity and hope, and may nature continue to inspire us with its extraordinary beauty.

Robert Bersson, 1/21/2021