SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Janos Bergman can’t help but paint.
“I wouldn’t know what to do with myself,” said the Summerside artist.
To step into his home is to step into an art gallery. Every room and corridor boasts his paintings – old works and new – on the wall.
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In his dining room sits a table full of paints. In front of the patio window, an easel holds a canvas – a painting in progress.
Staring at his backyard, every time he prepares to draw, Bergman draws inspiration from the province he moved to just a few years ago.
But his home isn’t the only place one can find his pieces. Through the years, Bergman has also had his works featured in European shows and galleries, including Switzerland, Italy and Slovakia.
Most recently, his canvases were on display in Rome, at Arte Roma 2024, from April 12 to 22.
Painting is not just a job for Bergman – it’s a passion that requires his whole heart.
“You have to be in the mood. You have to feel it,” he said. “If I don’t feel it, I cannot do anything.”
If inspiration strikes, Bergman creates around two to three art pieces per week.
Growing up in Budapest, Hungary, he has always been drawn to creation.
“I started making art (when) I was a teenager,” said Bergman. “I remember I was making vases. I’d put them on a glass frame, and I’d use clay and I’d let them dry naturally. I sold it to members of the family.”
Artist Origins
Although art has always been with him, his career as a painter didn't begin until 1982. At that time, he lived in Edmonton, and a neighbour invited him over to show him the ropes of painting.
After that conversation, Bergman began creating art full-time. His early works – largely portraits – were dark. Sombre.
“Back then, I had these high-pressure, politically charged jobs at a very young age,” he said.
Work stress reflected in his art; his childhood also echoes throughout the dark work. After all, he was a child during the Hungarian revolution.
Later in his career, his art brightened. Became optimistic.
Particularly after moving to P.E.I. from British Columbia, Bergman finds himself inspired by the land and the beauty of the landscape.
“It really puts me in a great mood,” he said, “and I’m really lucky to be surrounded by a whole bunch of wonderful people.”
Paying it forward with painting
Bergman’s work isn’t just available in his house and Europe – he is a proud Summerside resident and has so far held two art shows in the city.
In one 2022 exhibit, Bergman donated half the proceeds to LifeHouse – a local shelter for women and children.
Growing up, his family was charitable, helping out whenever they could; Bergman internalized that philosophy, and carried on the legacy.
“My grandma taught my mom, ‘daughter, remember, it’s always better to be able to give than having to receive,’” said Bergman. “To me, it feels very comfortable to reach out.”
Something new
Robert Riddell loves Bergman’s art. Since retiring as a teacher, helping out with marketing and promotion was no question in his mind.
“Janos has always been supportive of me, my whole life,” said Riddell, “so now it’s time for me to return the favour.”
An extrovert by nature, Riddell loves being able to meet new people and bring attention to Bergman’s works all the while.
“It’s very original, it's outside the box, it’s very colourful, it’s lively,” said Riddell, who calls Ontario home.
“From one painting to another, you never know what he’s going to create. Every day is like a surprise, with Janos.”
Although Bergman’s art has transitioned to a more uplifting style, he has not forgotten his roots. Much of his art, he creates with recycled canvases – turning something old into something new.
“Coming from Europe, especially from central-eastern Europe, things were very scarce,” he said. “I never grew up in this throwaway society. Buy it, use it, throw it out, you buy a new one.”
Kristin Gardiner is a reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. She can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on X @KristinGardiner.
