Exposing Ezra, Painting the Town

Ezra Berger likes to find the art in everything. And we mean everything.

“Everything passes through an artist’s hands at one time or another, even that,” he said, pointing toward the metallic drink shaker sitting atop the bar at Silks Restaurant.

Berger’s art is on display at Silks. The mural adorning these walls is a breath-taking vision paying tribute to Bulle Rock’s heritage while adding character and depth to this restaurant. It is stunning.

But Berger is the epitome of the humble artist striving for perfection. He tends to get squeamish when it comes to taking compliments. But he’s working on that.

“People have told me to just shut up and say thank you,” he quips.

This artist has been painting since he was young, getting recognized by teachers as early as first grade.

Still, he is his own worst critic. Shortly after completing the 1½-month-long project at Silk's, he said, “If I were to eat in here, I’d have to have my back to it.”

Which makes you wonder, why are artists so hard on themselves? 

“It’s fear. You’re putting yourself out there and you’re exposing yourself,” he explains. 

Berger says painting is his passion and he couldn't escape it if he tried. When asked what he would likely be doing if he weren’t an artist, he didn't hesitate, “I’d be an artist.”

No matter what he's into at the time, he's in creation mode.

When he's at his part-time job at Plumpton Park Zoo in Cecil County, "I find I’m thinking of creative ways to build [the animal] houses. If I’m doing construction, I like to build things and rehab things, or even if I’m cooking—cooking is an artistic endeavor, I like to figure out different ways to make it into an art,” he said.

Seems you can’t separate art from the artist. Patch caught up with Berger, who has a studio in Havre de Grace, to learn more about him. 

Patch: What inspires you?

Berger: Other people. I’m turned on by working and collaborating with other people. I'd say with the murals, that’s probably been my favorite. When I go into the studio I am by myself and I prefer to work with people, like a restaurant owner or a business owner, to make that project work.

Patch: What are you working on now?

Berger: Union Hospital in Elkton on the psychiatric ward. Their walls were kind of blue and gray and kind of depressing.

Patch: Tell us what it’s like when you get in the zone—is that a good way to put it? 

Berger: It is. It definitely is, there is a high at the end. But also in the beginning there is a burst of energy. You can walk away from it and get pats on the back. You feel like you created the mood or a personality, with words or without—it’s just creating a feeling. And it feels good.

Patch: Why did you choose Havre de Grace for your studio?

Berger: Havre de Grace, if there was going to be an art capital in the area, especially in Harford County, it would have to be Havre de Grace and the downtown area. 

Patch: What are you most proud of?

Berger: My two boys. Darwin is 6 years old and River is 3 years old. In the way of my art, I am most proud of the murals. 

Patch: Do you have a formal education?

Berger: Yes, from the Maryland Institute College of Arts. I studied painting and video and was also in the teaching program. 

(Berger also does workshops with the Professional Art Supplies in Havre de Grace.)

Patch: What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Berger: I like camping. I like playing with my boys and they are both artistic. They are into soccer and just all kinds of things.

They’re into everything. They like to wrestle. They usually get some good licks in. Little suckers try really hard, man. I’ve gotten a punched in the eye before. The boys like to tag-team their dad.

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Berger’s studio is above the Laurrapin. Call for an appointment or consultation at 443-207-3533. Check out some of his samplings at http://ezrabergerart.blogspot.com/ or friend him on Facebook.