Ruth Bercaw (b.1932)
Delighted, 2018
Materials: Mixed media (acrylic and collage), 28” x 50”
Location: Summa Health, Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, Fifth Floor, between Rooms H5-125 and H5-126
About the Art
Delighted is a vibrant mixed-media piece by Ruth Bercaw that uses color as a powerful marker of life and energy. The composition features repeated circular forms, tracing paths that feel almost predictable, yet are full of surprises. Bercaw’s approach introduces subtle disruptions through her use of color and shape, transforming what might initially appear as a serene horizon line—suggesting sea below and sky above—into a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape. Vertical red and black framing the work adds further tension as the shapes appear to bounce and move in unpredictable directions.
The forms in Delighted—some painted, some created from collaged paper or foil—invite viewers to let their imaginations roam. While one might be tempted to interpret them as celestial bodies like suns, planets, or stars, Bercaw's intentional ambiguity encourages us to consider more abstract possibilities: subatomic particles, molecules, or even dust motes. Her work embodies a “philosophy of sparking, spluttering life,” constantly evolving and morphing, ever moving forward. Art critic Max Douglas Utter describes Bercaw’s work as “spacious, geometric panoramas,” which evoke both deep time and the ancient, instinctive mark-making of humanity.
Mixed media, a technique artist have used since the early 20th century, allows for the creation of more complex, layered works. In Delighted, Bercaw employs cut-out papers that adhere to a muted color palette, with many hues mixed with black and white to soften their vibrancy. The textured surfaces of the collage, alongside the layers of painted pulp, create a tactile experience that invites further exploration beyond the visual. The use of collage in mixed media can create effects that are challenging to achieve with paint alone, allowing the artist to blur the boundaries between categories, bringing forth both visual and tactile experiences.
A graduate of the University of Missouri with a B.F.A., Ruth Bercaw furthered her studies with an M.F.A. from Kent State University in 1985. Over the years, she has built her artistic practice on a foundation of exploration and innovation across multiple media. Her approach is marked by a refusal to follow specific artistic movements or trends, preferring instead to develop ideas that she can express intuitively through color and abstract form. Her work plays "against itself," creating tension and offering new possibilities with each piece.
Where to See More of This Artist’s Work
Bercaw’s recent work can be explored on her website, while a broader collection of her art is available at the Artists' Archives of the Western Reserve. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows across Northeast Ohio, including venues in Columbus, Cincinnati, Oberlin, Youngstown, and throughout Italy, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Other works by Ruth Bercaw are held in collections at the Federal Reserve Bank, Case Western Reserve University, Parker Hannifin, and the Ritz Carlton in Cleveland; the Westin Hotel and the Boston Medical Center in Boston; as well as the Cleveland Clinic in Naples, Florida. Her pieces can also be found in private collections in Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Washington, Italy, and Spain.