Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Berkland.
Hi Adrienne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Savannah in 2014 to coach women’s lacrosse at SCAD. I had gone to school for art education but after playing lacrosse collegiality I had landed a coaching job that gotten me on an athletic path which left little time for art. Coming to Savannah was the first time where my athletic path overlapped with my artistic side. Being surrounded by all my artist-athletes motivated me to get back into my art practice so despite having success with coaching (4 national championships) I was really interested in embracing more art in my life. I stepped away from coaching in 2020 and had a brief tenure as an primary school art teacher before becoming a full time artist in 2022. I started with a home studio practice mostly focused on commissions and local markets and eventually getting my busking permit and a studio space at Arts Southeast. Now I split my time between busking at Forsyth Park, working in studio 8 at Arts Southeast, and working out of my home studio.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was always an artistic person but following college I felt having a secure job needed to take a priority, Coaching became the focus of my life as the nature of the job required lots of travel and practice on nights and weekends which limited my time for making art. Art became a hobby and that never sat well with me. I knew art needed to play a bigger role in my life but it was scary to give up the security of a full time job. I tried teaching art but found all my creative energy being poured into the classroom so while my life was suddenly surrounded by art, it wasn’t my art. It was a big leap of faith to leave job security but I have no regrets!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Because of my background in art education (that is what I went to school for as well) I have always been comfortable with trying new materials and exploring a wide variety of subjects. In Savannah I have become known for painting nocturne scenes from around Savannah and paintings of local bars, but my studio practice includes portraits, plein air, still life and exploratory works focusing on identity and autonomy. I paint in gouache, acrylic and encaustic and often include ink and marker drawings in my practice. The common thread in all my work is a bold use of color. What interests me most is the interaction of color and light. I’ve focused a large part of my personal practice in developing strong observational skills. I love panting from life and am known for painting quickly, which allows me to be a live event painter.
Outside of my studio practice and live event painting, I also work on exhibits with the Tybee Marine Science Center. in 2024 we completed a life size North Atlantic right whale sculpture and began work on the Five Sea Turtles of Georgia exhibit. Wokring in this capacity has allowed me ot utilize my skills as a painter, and learn about large scale sculpture.
I am also known at the 2024 Soy x Soy Art Rumble Champion! Art Rumble 2025 takes place May 31st at Starland Yard where 7 other local artist will try their best to take my championship title.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is living a life authentic to my personal values and encouraging others to do the same! We are our best selves when we feel comfortable to be ourselves and I strive to see the best in everyone.
Pricing:
- my commissions start at $300 for a 9×12″ painting
- Live event painting starts at $1000 per a four hour event
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adrienneberklandart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrienneberklandart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572905727554
- LinkedIn: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-berkland&ved=2ahUKEwiNttnxv9qMAxVpG9AFHfU-GOwQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1x7YidW58nuPltIr2U0Vqa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adrienneberkland
