"...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelo
About Clara Berta
Clara Berta grew up in a culturally rich and stimulating environment, born in a Hungarian enclave in Romania, then moving to Chicago at the age of eleven. She relocated to Los Angeles when she began her education where she received her BA in Psychology from Antioch University.
Through the years, while still pursuing fine art, she also worked as an actress. At the same time, she traveled, grew beautiful gardens and continued to study and paint as well as exploring other media including writing and photography. Berta continues to explore artistic talents through private studies in mixed media with Carol Slade, Annie Wharton, monotype studies with Lynn Bernay and with Ron Pokrasso at the Riverside Museum and Palm Desert Museum.
Berta has concentrated on abstract expressionism through painting and unique monotypes. Her paintings and prints explore theme such as the ebb and flow of memory, the significance of personal heritage, renewal, the passing of physical time, desire, passion, and love.
Clara has exhibited widely through the years and her works appear in collections both in the United States and abroad.
Artist Statement
My spiritual path contributes to my work, which I now create from a place of peace and compassion. For me, art is healing and plays an important role in my entire life, especially since I love interior design. These feelings are expressed by the lovely English and Zen gardens that surround my home.
Since being influenced by the Italian culture, my work has taken a new direction that I express by creating textures through adding layers of torn posters, writings and exotic materials that are recycled into my art. My colors are now rich and earthy with passionate blues derived from my love for the ocean. This reflects my desire to work with eco friendly and recycled found materials. I especially enjoy painting on farm wood as part of my zen-like lifestyle.
I use rich layers, elements of mixed media that integrates poetry, photography, printmaking and unconventional materials, sometimes incorporating all in a single piece. I paint with passion on canvas and wood panels with a varied palette, lush with vibrant color. My emphasis is on the rich colors and textures of life and spirituality with subtle patterns of light and shadow revealing a deep understanding of the human psyche.