“You have your mother’s excellent precision” remarked a mutual acquaintance. That person might have added, her thin hair, her long fingers, her sweet tooth and her tentative nature; hopefully also her resilience, her perseverance, her sense of craft, her vision and her creative fire. 

She saw the need, at nineteen, to leave Europe while embracing the opportunity of life in America. And what courage it took! Most of us have heard about the long Atlantic crossing by freighter from  Petsamo, Finland. Petsamo was a battlefield then, later annexed by Russia for its deepwater harbor. 

Once settled in New York City, she loved it. Her parents had their own arduous journey to follow Siri to the New World the following year. Unable to travel West from Sweden then, they went East, across Russia by train, then by steamer from Yokohama to Seattle. Calling Siri upon landing in America they ventured that Seattle looked like a nice place to live, but she said, “Oh no, you have to come to New York”. Of course, they did.

Much later she envisioned pursuing and expanding her career as a fine artist in the SoHo district of Manhattan. Not the chic neighborhood it is now, SoHo was still a mix of factories, warehouses, and artists’ lofts. Understanding artists as pioneers, she saw where the action was and wanted to be part of it. Buying into a cooperative of people who had only recently been squatters, she embarked on the remarkably productive period of her career that we know. 

Seeking guidance to stay fit, she ventured to a local gym where she met a trainer who turned out to be a brilliant curator and publicist. Only in New York could one imagine finding such a combination of skills. But I see it as a lesson in networking, being willing to seek out people and welcome their personalities. 

Not one to lecture, she set an example, of keeping the courage of one’s convictions, of adapting and taking advantage of new circumstances, and of caring about family, all of us.


My husband and I purchased our first painting from Siri approximately 25 years ago. I loved the entire process from our introduction, getting to know her, visiting Siri in Soho, several times, where she would share her art with me in her effort to recommend a piece “just right.” She took the time and trouble to visit our home, determined and knowing she would sell us a painting. After careful consideration, she invited us back to her loft for her personal recommendation. She considered the COLORS that are RIGHT for us, WHERE it would hang and the impact it would have. Siri was flexible with our payment terms and we committed. We hang Kabbalah proudly in our home and I am reminded of Siri and her engaging personality every time I stop to appreciate it.  My heartfelt condolences to Jeff, Arthur and family. May her memory be a blessing.
Cindy

Pam Klein and I hired Siri to teach at Parsons School of Design. She was amazing--a great teacher and and a great artist. Even more, she spoke her mind and was a pleasure with whom to interact. I was so sad when I read her obit and have been trying to reach her sons to tell them how sad I am about their loss and the world's loss. I hope that if they read this, they will contact me or send an email where I can respond to them directly.

Thinking of her with joy in my heart. She was really something. What a spirit.

My mother, Siri Berg, peacefully passed away in her artist loft in Soho.  It felt sad, but knowing she was comfortable, at peace, and loved by so many, made it easier.  At 98 years old, it was simply her time.  I had face-timed with her a few times during her last day, and had many chances over the past few weeks to tell her how much I loved her, how special she was and how she influenced so many lives, from family and friends, to fellow artists, aspiring students, and members of her Jewish & Swedish community. 

Her art, which I grew up with, spanned over 50 years, and was the subject of a number of career retrospective shows, most recently in 2019, in Washington, DC at the House of Sweden, part of the Swedish Embassy.  She was also the subject of a documentary "In Color”, also released in 2019.  My personal highlight, achieved years ago, was having a piece selected for the permanent collection of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. She hardly talked about it, which was typical of her when it came to tributes of this nature.

The timing to lose a loved one is never easy. But I take great solace in knowing my mom lived a really long and robust life.  And my family will take lots of time and joy, in celebrating her over the next year.  For that, I am grateful and see the silver lining.  She will be missed by many I am sure.

Siri was such a good person, friend, teacher and she was a superlative colorist-artist.  We think of her every day as we look at two prints we are privileged to have.  She will be greatly missed.


OBITUARY

Siri Berg

September 14, 1921 – April 8, 2020

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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