See the whole Wild Tenderness Collection
Message from the Artist: When I was ten years old, I donated bone marrow to my 12-year old brother. That’s a very long and involved story, but a portion of it struck me before I started creating this piece. (my brother is now almost 44 and is the healthiest person I know)
On the night before my surgery, I lay in my hospital room, feeling alone and vulnerable, scared. Grandma, Grandpa and Mom were with Kev, as it should have been because he was the sick one. At some point, a family friend gifted me with a lead crystal angel. I remember sliding her out of the box. I had the angel next to me in my hospital bed. I can still tap into that feeling, 32 years later. She was simple and smooth and completely transparent, like glass. Heavy and cool in my hands. She lived in my childhood bedroom for as long as I can remember, even going to college with me.
A couple years ago, my mom had a scary accident and after getting home from the hospital I wondered: “DO I STILL HAVE my angel!? Gosh, I HOPE I didn’t get rid of it in some clutter-ditching session in the last 30 years…” I worried a bit but went to sleep. (my mom ended up being okay)
A couple days later, I carried laundry past my hope chest and opened the lid to pull out the first box I saw – a heart-shaped box from my sister. And inside was my crystal angel, right on top!! In that moment I was flooded with relief that she had survived 32 years of de-cluttering!
My youngest son was feeling unwell the next morning, so I put the angel on the little table by his bed. She watched over him and he was well within hours.
So… I have my angel and I plan to always have her. I now keep her out, not in the chest. I am sure the man who purchased her had no idea she would become such a special icon.
We all need something to comfort us. Something that reminds us of our past, bridging the years by touching the heart. I am anti-stuff, in general, but I’m pro things-that-make-us-feel. And that is how I reconcile the fact that I am a maker of things – I make things that spark feelings. Paintings that remind us, touch us, open something within us. Verify our emotions, strengthen our moments, add color and movement to our memories.
Painted moments that connect you and I, because deep down we are very similar: we want love, we want to give love, we want to share. We need to feel.
This little gal is comforted by her special friends. She may feel vulnerable, uncovered… but she isn’t alone. And dang, since I couldn’t call this piece “A Girl With Her Humongous Hedgehog” the title I chose for this piece hits me right in the heart.
A print from the Wild Tenderness Collection.
Choose the Embellished option to personalize your print with hair color accents. Contact Katie if you can't find what you are looking for.
SELECT YOUR PRINT SIZE:
~a Signed Art Print on paper (3 size options)
~a Hand-Embellished & Signed Art Print on paper (more information below)
~or a Stretched Canvas Art Print, ready to hang out of the box
All prints are created from original Katie m. Berggren paintings.
FRAMING: For paper prints, use a frame that matches the size of your print if you want the image to go right to the edges. The 1/8” margin will be hidden behind the frame. Prefer some space between art and frame? Choose a larger frame with a window mat that fits the print size. For example, a 16x16 inch frame with a 12x12 inch mat, or a 12x12 inch frame with an 8x8 inch mat. Simple and beautiful!
••Signed Art Prints on Paper••
Your Art Print is created on premium paper with an 8-ink process for vibrant, fade-proof color. It’s hand-signed, carefully packaged, and made with archival materials to ensure 100+ years of inspiring memories and touching hearts.
Prints are packaged with a board and sleeve, then shipped in a sturdy mailer. Art Prints have a 1/8-inch border and fit standard frames. See above.
••Embellished Art Prints on Paper••
A 12x12 inch Art Print is hand-accented for unique brush-stroke texture and an artist’s touch. I sign the front, date the back, and package it with a board and sleeve, then wrap and ship in a sturdy mailer.
An Embellished Print allows custom changes like eye color, hair accents, facial hair, glasses, and more, all added with paint. Simply leave notes at checkout for personalization, and you'll receive a confirmation email. Allow 1-2 days for creation and drying before shipping. SEE SAMPLES
••Stretched Canvas Prints••
Your Stretched Canvas Print features premium cotton canvas with vivid color and detail, stretched over 1-1/2-inch wooden bars. The artwork is wired and ready to hang, with edges printed in a complementary dark color. Shipped from my photo lab; please allow 5-7 days for creation before shipping. SEE SAMPLES