About the Artist
Terry Berg is a signature member of Artists for Conservation based in Vancouver, Canada. AFC Selects approximately 500 of the worlds leading nature/wildlife artists from around the globe, and is the world’s leading artist group for the environment.
She donates a portion of all of her sales to various conservation efforts, mainly the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, where she spent time caring for the animals in the sanctuary. She painted an 8 x 12 foot mural at the facility which remains there today.
Terry grew up on a treed acreage in Alberta and spent extended periods of time in the outdoors camping and exploring the boreal forest, and loving her time in nature. This is where she feels most at peace and at home. If not painting in her studio, she can often be found in the woods of the boreal forest or wetlands soaking up the tranquility of being outdoors. Her art primarily focuses on nature and wildlife, but is not limited to this. She also creates beautiful portraits, landscapes, and surrealistic paintings.
She has been showcased numerous times by AFC in their juried gallery events in Vancouver, as well as in their yearly hard covered books which features select pieces to be published. Her work has also been selected and displayed by the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, and is in homes and businesses all over the world. Select originals can frequently be viewed at the Gallery of the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove, AB, at Heavy Metal Place.
Conservation Only Website: www.artistsforconservation.org/Terry-Berg
Hi There! I'd like to introduce myself and tell you a little more about me, personally. I was born and raised in Canada, close to the boreal forest. My home, for most of my childhood, had access to nature where I spent time exploring, playing make-believe, and watching the animals. In fact, at times, they made their way into our home or the garage with me. My family was a happy one, and my dad kept us quite busy. We visited a lake almost every weekend in the boreal forest, and spent early mornings out fishing with dad in our leaky old yellow boat while mom was cooking breakfast in our little trailer that housed all 6 of us.
I've been through some transitions in my life, all of which have helped me to grow into a better, more compassionate person.
As early as my teenage years I experienced depression, which has given me an understanding of people, and a realization that there is more to everyone's story.
I was married twice, both times to men who simply weren't on the same path. I had 3 amazing children who I love dearly. Learning to love and accept myself again was a challenge, and my imposter syndrome reared it's ugly head when I began to paint.
At 45 years old I suffered a concussion that changed my life, as it turned out, for the Better! Perhaps not for the first few years though. The side effects of the brain injury were no joke. I was unable to return to my career, had difficulty understanding language, was unable to read, had brain fog, lack of executive function, sight difficulties, balance problems, migraines, overwhelm, heightened anxiety and depression, and sensitivity to light and sound. Memory problems and symptoms of ADD linger to this day. I was a mess, and my self-esteem took a serious hit.
I was encouraged by loved ones to do something that brought me joy, so the first thing I thought of was an art class. I had taken art in high school, but had only sketched the odd thing since then. I didn't care what kind of art it was, and landed in an oil painting class with an amazing instructor. I had no faith in myself at that time, but surprised myself with how quick I was able to catch on and actually Retain what I was learning. The focus that painting requires has helped me tremendously in my recovery.
I also had a doctor, Dr. Theodore Loewen, who encouraged me through my worst times, explaining that I may not be able to work a conventional job, but I am able to create a Legacy with my art!
I believe we all have reasons that we can come up with that could make or break us. Sometimes I find my emotions from those experiences come out in my paintings. Luckily, I feel so much Gratitude for the things I've learned, for every step forward I make, and for the many wonderful relationships I've made along the way. It has turned my life right-side-up again, and I believe that Also comes out in my art.
I focus mainly on conservation of life on this planet, which I am very passionate about, yet I have been so grateful for the opportunity and ability to paint a wide range of subject matter.
Thank you for reading
Terry Berg
