Artist bio

Born and raised in Nebraska, John Bergmeier now resides in North Carolina. Coming from the American heartland, John traces the roots of his inspiration back to his Christian upbringing, and considers his faith an integral part of his art and of his motivation. He states, “I am increasingly becoming more confident and daring in expressing my Christian faith through my art, that and to touch the emotions of people is what I strive for.”

Title

I Live With Readiness

Medium/Genre

Mixed Media

Artist Statement

My work typically includes imagery from nostalgic sources pulled from my personal memories and dreamy sentiment. The visual aspect is multi-layered, not only with antique line art and purposeful texts but also with the colors themselves. This type of layering and use of multiple images lends itself to the idea of a confusing and complicated life this side of eternity. Biblical accounts and theology influence the different themes and vignettes. I draw inspiration from the Christian tradition of portraying human nature in all its simplicity, complexity and drama. I wish to depict these emotions in my work.
I have a standard palette of colors that I rely on for most of my prints. These also are intended to imply this vintage feel...as if the colors are pulled directly from my Aunt Erna's living room in Beatrice, Nebraska. I frequently use metallic inks, especially gold, to imply a religious and heavenly connection to the overall narrative.

How it fits into contest

I Live With Readiness (EPHESIANS 6:10-20)

In preparing for this artwork I spent a considerable amount of time researching armor – specifically looking at various pieces of historic metal armor pieces that were mostly just remnants of their previous life. I assume that these metal pieces had in most cases successfully served their purpose of protecting and guarding the person who wore them. The evidence of age with the weathered patina and fragments of ancient leather attachments reinforce their historical significance. There were in some cases nicks and scars on the visible surface – reminders that indeed they had assisted in personal defense in battle. They were beautiful.

In this artwork I have included various images of Biblical accounts and associations that are equally important for the Christian faith: a partial piece of a sickle blade for the harvest, the cross for our salvation, the “valuable” sparrow as well as personal symbolism that brings a softer more calming and peaceful effect like delicate lace and an old family photo, all reminiscent of the “flaming arrows” and also the concord in our individual lives. In contrast to the heaviness associated with the Armor of God - the battles and struggles with spiritual forces of evil - there is a calm and peace in Paul's request for prayer in the later verses that are also an important component of God’s guarding and protecting.

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