Lex Miller

LBST 1105H
Ms. Hicks
October 3rd 2014

Malena Bergmann Response

This past weeks class was probably the most unique and interesting class. One of
the art professors here at UNCC, who is also a working artist herself, Malena Bergmann,
came to speak to our class. She was definitely the most unconventional artist I have ever
seen or spoken to.
I have always known that art majors and artistic people alike have very different
minds and views of the world. Occasionally, I wish I possessed some of these
characteristics. I am not imaginative or creative at all. However, Malena showed me just
how unique an artists mind can get.
Malena spoke to us for quite some time and showed us pictures of her latest work
of art, The Sowing. Without her there to interpret, it would be extremely difficult to
understand the meaning behind the piece. For someone like myself who isnt very
imaginative, it was difficult for me to follow her vision and imagery of her performance
art. However, I deeply respected and admired how well thought out it was and how you
could clearly tell how deeply involved and meaningful it was to her by both her
explanation of the art and the detail she put into her piece. Although much of her art may
appear scattered and random, listening to her reasonings and explanations prove how well
thought out and purposeful each element is. I admired her ability to see artistic qualities
in everything and her ability to throw random objects together to create something
beautiful. However, her personality certainly matched her art. She appeared a lively,
energetic woman who enjoyed being her own individual self. By some of the connections
she made and the background of her art, it was clearly evident how intelligent and
educated she was not only in her field of expertise but beyond. She most definitely took
me by surprise.
From what I considered art, she took a very unconventional approach to it..or
maybe not? Malena showed me that art doesnt have a limit and it is capable of so much
more than canvas, paints, and pencil. I thought I knew what art consisted of but Malena
taught me that anything can be considered art. Art is relative. What I find a common
household tool, she might find to be art. It also depends on how you use the tool and what
your interpretation of it is. Although it was unlike any kind of art I have ever seen, I
aspire to find art and beauty in everything just like she does. She truly opened my eyes to
the possibility of art. She taught me that art is people too and their movements and habits.
I would be very interested in picking her brain more to find out what her thoughts and
inspirations were for every piece she has done. Throughout the entire time she was with
us, I was extremely impressed with how she never said, I just did, or I dont know,
because I thought it would look cool. She had a deeper meaning for what she created
and really took time and pride in her pieces.

One comment that she specifically made that really struck me was how she
mentioned that she created art for herself and that oftentimes she didnt want other people
to see it. The frugal and practical side of me says that this is ridiculous and a waste of
time. However it is really honorable that she spends all that time and money to make
herself happy and hide it away. That was a really powerful moment for me that she didnt
want to show her accomplishments off. It was unlike anything I have ever heard from an
artist. But it made me realize that that is exactly what a real artist should do; a real artist
should make art for themselves and for the internal feeling of happiness and pride that
they get from the piece, not to create something just for the approval of others or to show
off. I would love to see what she has created that she has not shown to anyone, and would
also be interested in asking her what her favorite piece was that she has created and why.
I deeply respected her for that and sincerely enjoyed having her speak to us.