Chris Berti (American, b. 1958), Strange Bird

2015, carved and oil painted poplar, signed "BERTI" to underside. Proceeds to benefit the general Penland Scholarship.

9 x 12 x 7 in.

Being sold to benefit Penland School of Craft, Penland, North Carolina

Penland’s scholarship program exists to make their workshops accessible to those who are not able to participate without financial assistance and to create educational opportunities for people who have been underrepresented at Penland and in the craft world. Proceeds from this auction will help fund existing scholarships, with some proceeds designated towards specific scholarships as noted in the listings.

Chris Berti earned his BFA from Alfred University in Alfred, New York, and his MFA in ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. He inherited a set of stone-carving tools from his grandfather, a stonemason and bricklayer in New York City, a number of years after graduation. These tools inspired Berti to carve objects from limestone and salvaged brick. He patiently removes pieces until the final forms and colors "reveal themselves." Berti compares this method to the work of an archaeologist uncovering artifacts and shards buried in the ground. Regardless of his medium, Berti always aims to instill the "spirit of living things" into his creations.
Bio Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Good estate condition.