Colorist Creates Original Abstract Art for "Foxfire Series" Show

PJ  working with carded , hand-dyed wool

"More and more, I think of myself as a 'colorist', says PJ Bergin.

Traditionally, this means a painter who is skilled in achieving special effects with color.  It also has special meaning for artists who add color to black and white line art in the world of comic strips."

Creating the Canvas

For PJ Bergin, both definitions apply - only her medium is wool.  Starting with plain white wool roving, she precisely weighs out and mixes the dyes that create vibrant hues already visualized in her experienced eyes.  After  the dyes set and the bundles dry, the labor intensive technique of "carding" transforms the wool into fluffy, almost transparent strands. 

"The next step is for me to 'create the canvas' - arranging the colored wool onto a neutral background.  Placing colors in certain positions and shapes and then layering more wool on top creates the depth that I am looking for.  It also brings new colors in to the mix of the finished piece."

It's only then that the "felting" process begins, when the artist uses the inherent properties of the natural fibers, combined with warm water and compression to create a whole new structure, neither woven nor knit, but strong and durable all the same.  Currently, finished pieces are 48" x 54" and placed over a wooden frame to create a "Glow Box™, complete with interior, LED lighting.

"My latest works comprise the 'Foxfire Series' - 5 Glow Box™,  and 7 Glow Tube™,  (free-standing cylindrical works).  Foxfire, also sometimes referred to as "fairy fire", is the bioluminescence created by some species of fungi present in decaying wood. Although the purpose is unknown, it is widely believed that the light is meant to attract insects to spread its spores or act as a warning to hungry animals, similar to the bright colors exhibited by some species of animals.  Although generally very dim, in some cases it can be bright enough to read by.

"Layering of the colored wool along with the 'lit from within' feature of the LED's allows for depth and changes of light as the finished piece is viewed from different angles.  I invite you to come and see how these new techniques, coupled with the traditions of coloring and felt making, create something entirely new and enticing".

PJ's show, "The Foxfire Series" opens at Artwork Network on First Friday in Denver.

Artwork Network is located at 878 Santa Fe Drive and can be reached at 303-388-7420.

Meet PJ on October 7th from 5pm-8pm.  The show continues through October 29th, 2011
and is open to visitors M-F 10-5 and SAT 12-4.

PJ Bergin Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist