Harriete Estel Berman uses post consumer, recycled materials to construct artwork ranging from jewelry and teacups to entire lawns and sculpture with social commentary.
Sculptures include domestic appliances remarking on the roles of women, the influence of advertising and commentary about our consumer society. Judaica by Harriete focus on the concept of Tikkum Olam “repair the world” with the use of reycled tin cans.
Berman’s work has shown throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. Her work has been acquired for the permanent collections of 13 museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Detroit Institute of Art, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Recent exhibitions include a four person exhibition at the Loveland Museum, CO.2010 and a retrospective at the National Ornamental Metals Museum as a ‘Master Metalsmith 2004’.
Harriete is writing an ongoing series of Professional Guidelines for artists to promote understanding, checklists, and practical solutions for recurring issues in the art and craft community. The Professional Guidelines are available as downloadable PDF files on the SNAG website and her web site.
Her blog ASK HARRIETE regularly offers professional advice to the art community. Ms. Berman has also organized the Professional Development Seminar with Andy Cooperman, Don Friedlich and Brigitte Martin prior to the SNAG conference for the last seven years.
Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Syracuse University (BFA) and Temple University (MFA), Harriete lives in California where she fills many roles as a mother, daughter, wife, gardener, former taxi driver (for her children), exercise instructor, and many volunteer activities.
Harriete Estel Berman has her jewelry, sculpture and judaica in over 35 books including a whole chapter in the book, ReManufractured: The Conspicuous Transformation of Everyday Objects, Makers: A History of American Studio Craft and the cover of The Fine Art of The Tin Can.
