Inside Monica Bergquist’s Creative Journey of Blending Fluid and Traditional Art

Monica Bergquist is a talented US-based artist known for her dynamic abstract paintings that blend fluid art techniques with traditional methods. In this interview, Monica shares her inspiring journey back to art after a long break, driven by personal loss and the desire to reconnect with her creative passion. She takes us through her unique creative process, the themes of complexity and duality that define her work, and the role experimentation plays in her art. From her time immersed in Montana’s natural beauty to the deeply personal meaning behind her paintings, Monica’s insights offer a glimpse into the thoughtful and liberating journey that shapes her creative expression. Through her story, we learn how art serves as a therapeutic practice and a way to connect with her emotions and the world around her.

A US-based artist, Monica Bergquist creates dynamic abstract paintings that blend fluid processes with traditional techniques. Her mixed media works incorporate various materials, including latex, acrylic, aerosol, oil paints, solvents, charcoal, graphite, ink, and paint markers. Themes of complexity and duality are central to her art. Monica holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Montana, an MS in Nutritional Science from the University of Utah, and a Registered Dietitian. Her extensive experience in clinical and research dietetics shaped her balanced, multifaceted approach to art. After her mother’s passing, Monica recognized the need to refocus on her passion for creating art.

1. What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always been an artist at heart. After completing my undergraduate art degree in my 20s, I shifted to a graduate-level science program for practical reasons and stopped creating on canvas for about 20 years. During that time, life unfolded in unexpected ways. My Dad suffered severe brain trauma from a bicycling accident, my Mom fought and ultimately succumbed to cancer, and my partner and I also started a family, welcoming three children into the world. After my mom passed away in 2018, I found myself compelled to create again, unable to ignore the pull. It became my way of processing grief, all while knowing it was her dream for me to return to art.

I began working on an oil painting, a grid painting where I could focus on one abstract square at a time. Due to time limitations, it took me nine months to finish. I also decided to explore new techniques and started learning about fluid art in the fall of 2023. The experimentation required a deep presence, which became both therapeutic and liberating. I have since developed recipes and techniques inspired by artists like Emma Lindstrom and Sara Taylor. My current artistic practice focuses on harmonizing and layering fluid and traditional art.

As the artistic steward of each painting, I push and pull the mediums to depict erosion, transportation, or deposition.

Monica Bergquist

2. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

My ultimate muse is Montana’s expansive landscape, wilderness, and Big Sky. Much of my inspiration comes from immersing myself in nature or observing its peaceful, frozen blanket during winter months. The colours, movement, and compositions emerge naturally after these outdoor experiences. Theories of complexity appear repeatedly in both nature and art. I enjoy creating work that leaves its origin unclear, allowing viewers to decide whether it’s something seen under a microscope or from aerial footage.

3. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

“Crossroads,” 46″x46″ created in May 2024, was my first large pour on stretched canvas. In this piece, I saw firsthand how different fluid art techniques combined with solvents could create something magical. Initially, I was nervous about pouring so large, especially since it was a commissioned work, but the exhilaration of the process quickly took over. Despite practising fluid art for about half a year, I realized I knew exactly what to do. Being a steward of the paint and following my intuition greatly developed my self-confidence in exploration. I also discovered a love for “finish work,” and my background in traditional painting helped me bring everything together seamlessly. On a personal note, both the client and I had experienced profound grief, and this connection deeply influenced my mindset and practice. To this day, it’s one of my favourite paintings.

4. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

Meditation, a little grace, and trying something new help me balance the routine of everyday tasks. I remind myself to take breaks from constant productivity because, as a human, I can’t expect to be at my best every day. With the demands of family and my fur babies, I know I can’t always be as prolific as I’d like. Creativity can take many forms, whether through new or familiar methods and doesn’t always need to have a specific goal. Last week, after a tough stretch, I felt the need to create something free and representational. So, I painted a giant mural of our Pyrenees mix, Odie, in the laundry room, took walks in the sunshine, baked sourdough bread, and stretched and gessoed canvases. Just make something, be present outside, and chances are you’ll be inspired along the way.

The duality and intersection of science and art, nature and built, stay-at- home mom plus artist, color and lack thereof, negative space and chaos, subtlety and boldness, creation and observation; my art encompasses all these things.

Monica Bergquist

5. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

Pablo Picasso said, “Paintings are but research and experiment. I never do a painting as a work of art…” Experimentation is the lifeblood of my creative practice. It’s how I merge science and art, constantly observing the effects of subtle changes. In some ways, using a brush feels too controlled to capture complexity and self-organization, making fluid art the perfect technique for mimicking life. I adjust the ratios and ingredients in my base coats, pigment recipes, paint mixtures, solvent applications, textures, techniques, timing, and layering. I typically start with fluid paint and then layer traditional methods with brushes and palette knives, but sometimes I switch it up. I also love working with transparent paints to reveal glimpses of the art beneath.

Monica Bergquist’s journey as an artist reflects a beautiful balance between science and creativity. By using experimentation and remaining present in her practice, she creates abstract art that invites viewers to explore both the microscopic and macroscopic worlds. Through her work, she demonstrates that art is not just a visual medium but a powerful tool for personal expression and healing. To learn more about Monica, visit the links below.