Always Inspired

Recognizing his love for art in high school, Jerry went on to graduate from college earning a BA degree in Art Education. With formal education as his foundation, the first branch of his working career quickly emerged as he began painting murals and backdrops for variety shows and professional photography studios. From there he became an artist for Six Flags theme parks, where his sign and mural works were distributed to parks throughout the United States and Europe. While still with Six Flags, he decided to further his education by attending faux finishing classes in the United States. By taking Faux Effects® workshops, such as Designer Walls™ 1, 2 and 3, Jerry immediately discovered his love for the art of decorative painting and for networking with his fellow finishers. “I believe my networking efforts are what set me apart in my local faux finish industry. I feel I’ve been able to break down some of the competitive walls that seem to threaten many faux finishers.”

The popular television show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, had selected a very inspirational ranching family in Oklahoma to provide them with a brand new and well-deserved custom home. During the show’s initial search for local builders, contractors and painters, the producers came across Artisan Theory, Inc.’s website and gave them a call. Needless to say, Jerry jumped at the opportunity. The rustic look of the home’s decor was enhanced by the soft appearance and warm tones of the faux finishes that were applied to the walls. In the main living area, Jerry and fellow finishers Anna Nelson, Betsy Hibbard and Carla Manning, applied a base coat of a pale pecan colored latex paint and then finished with a soft glaze technique using a mixture of FauxCrème® Clear and a combination of Earth Brown, Dark Brown and Italian Sienna FauxCrème Color™.The walls of the study were treated with a luxurious leather effect. Utilizing Camel SetCoat® as the base and then a mixture of FauxCrème® Clear, SoSlow Super Extender™, Antique Mahogany FauxColor™ and Earth Brown and Dark Brown FauxCrème Color™, Jerry and his team were able to create a fitting backdrop for the family’s western style. The walls in the kitchen were base coated with a light colored latex paint, and then a teal green AquaGlaze® and SoSlow™ mixture was applied. The end result—the perfect compliment to the soft black cabinetry and bright copper paneling.

Jerry Bergin’s artwork can be found within many stunning homes. This one in particular is a wonderful combination of casual warmth and elegance. The French country style kitchen boasts a grand center island with matching accent cabinetry to which Jerry applied a coat of Leather Red SetCoat® and Silver Dutch Metal™. He then glazed them with Van Dyke Brown FauxColor™.

The primary cabinets were first sealed with Primer Surfacer™, and then a base coat of Neutral White SetCoat® was applied. FxThinner™ and Van Dyke Brown FauxColor™ were used to give the cabinets a soft, two-toned look. Over both finishes, Jerry applied a durable topcoat of Varnish Plus™ that resulted in a lovely satin sheen. The walls and ceiling in the dining area were both treated with several layers of O’Villa Sabina™, some of which were tinted with Earth Brown FauxCrème Color Concentrate™. Once the gorgeous organic pattern was created, the finish was sanded smooth and coated with Old World Venetian Sealer™ for a slick and smooth feeling. The wooden beams on the ceiling were stained with Rich Brown Stain & Seal™ with SoSlow™ added; when dry, a mixture of FauxCrème® Clear and Van Dyke Brown FauxColor™ was applied. A topcoat of Varnish Plus™ Satin sealed the look. The soothing earth tones continued into the entry hall and up the stairway where, over Neutral White SetCoat®, Jerry used a combination of SandStone™, Old World SandStone™ and Old World Lime Slag™ along with a generous layer of PlasterTex™ to create a very dimensional effect. An Earth Brown FauxCreme® glaze was washed over the texture resulting in the look and feel of weathered plaster walls, which tied into the home’s classic décor.

Nature is a major source of inspiration for Jerry and is reflected in his faux finishing and his fine art. Bringing the outdoors into a stereotypically cold office space can really make a difference in the way one feels about going to work. The room was designed using rich wood tones, black furniture and lively prints within both the rugs and upholstered side chairs, all of which were seamlessly joined together by a wall finish of FauxCreme® Clear tinted with Earth Brown, Dark Brown and Italian Sienna FauxCreme Color™. The earthy glaze was applied to all of the walls in the conference roomand the reception area.

With the additional talents of DeeAnn O’Neal, Carla Manning and Betsy Hibbard, Artisan Theory, Inc. was able to transform another very large, open office space of Crusader Oil Company into an elegant grand foyer. The two-story walls were treated with the soft glow of Crushed Pearl LusterStone® and the ceiling’s center dome with Champagne Mist LusterStone®.

“I fell in love with Faux Effects® products all over again when I began incorporating themintomy fine art projects. In fact, I fell in love with fine art all over again as well!”

Jerry stated when referring to his recent re-discovery of Faux Effects® products, “The use of Faux Effects® products takes my art to a whole new level and sets me apart from other artists. They open up a new realm of possibilities in color, texture and visual effect.” Jerry utilizes products such as Dutch Metal™, FauxColor™, Activator II™ and FauxCreme® Clear to create his very unique, colorful and ultra dimensional artwork. “Faux Effects® products and their capabilities inspire me tremendously!”

DECORATIVE ART BY: JERRY BERGIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL BERGIN, BRYCE BANDY, VANESSA PRICE

WRITTEN BY: CAT FAUST

If you enjoyed this article, send
it to your friends on Facebook!