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Pat Bergman, a feisty iconoclast who was born in Pennsylvania but settled in Arkansas, enjoys a great deal of stylistic evolution as a metalsmith, and is happiest working in whatever style is not presently in vogue. Her brass, copper and sterling jewelry and hair accessories began in the 70’s, when gold prices shot up. “During that time there were only a handful of jewelers working in brass and copper, and we all knew each other from art fairs,” says Bergman.
Her work has been described as “earthy,” “Celtic,” “organic,” “art nouveau.” “Take your pick,” says Bergman. “I just sit down, take the metal in my hands, and begin.” The married metal jewelry sometimes carries an emotional quality not found in other areas of art. “People write me or see me at an art fair and relate wonderful anecdotes about things that have happened to them when wearing my jewelry. It keeps me alive and creative.”
Bergman, a prolific metalsmith, maintains a studio in her house basement, which is overflowing with remnants of her art show career, now spanning 25 years.
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