Teresa Bergen

Teresa Bergen’s ceramic work explores narrative and relationships through movement, myth and folklore. Animated by the turn of a crank, human and animal figures take flight, perform banjo solos or spin in helpless circles surrounded by the chaos of toddlers. Detailed pattern and colour adorn the surfaces of her ceramic sculpture and pottery.

Born in Vancouver, Teresa started her art education at Largara College then moved on to complete a BFA from NSCAD University on the other side of the country. Post graduation she cycled and hiked to Dawson City Yukon for an artist residency through KIAC (Klondike Institute of Art and Culture). In love with the place and the boy she met there, she stayed for a winter, built a kiln on a rock pile, converted a broken down school bus to a studio and set to work. It was a rustic and romantic beginning to her career in ceramics.

Upon returning to Nova Scotia she continued her practice in Halifax until 2005, when she established a home studio near Chester where she now lives with her husband, their three children and a fluctuating flock of chickens.

Bergen’s work was selected for the Art Bank Purchase Award, is part of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s permanent collection as well as private collections around the world. She is the recipient of Creation Grants from Arts Nova Scotia. Major commissions include Tea Train for the Kamm Teapot collection, the Founder’s Tree, and a work reinterpreting a classic fairytale for a theme park in Tokyo. Her work has been exhibited across Canada, in Los Angeles, Pittsburg and at SOFA Chicago.