Jacob's Ladder, Katrina Madsen Berg

Artist: Katrina Madsen Berg

Artist Bio: Life is sweeter in candy colors! Katrina’s oil paintings celebrate the sweet moments nestled between the hard and unsavory ones. With thick strokes of paint and colors that gleam like stained glass, her work becomes a window to the deepest, most treasured memories of our hearts.

Formally trained as a landscape architect, Katrina’s art invites the “outside in” by portraying the natural world. Her latest series explores the symbolism of each bird and flower depicted, resulting in unique themes for each piece, often titled after her favorite songs and musicians.

Katrina and her husband live in a quirky yet modern concrete home in Midway, Utah, with their daughter and four sons. You can listen to her podcast, The Candy Colored Studio, on her website (katrinaberg.com) or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Be sure to join her email list for regular inspiration and updates.

Title: Jacob's Ladder

Medium: Oil on wood

Dimensions: 11 x 14 inches

Price: $935

Artist Statement: When I find myself in the storms of Life I go to the tree for shelter - meaning the Tree of Life, our Divine Feminine and Mother, and sit at the base of Her trunk to partake of “The Love of God”; our Heavenly Parents and Savior. In this latest Tree of Life series, I wanted to depict the Tree of Life as an espalier tree that looks more like a ladder climbing towards our Savior and Parents. Espalier branches also look like they are “clinging to the rod.” Much like Jacob's ladder in his vision, we can climb closer to Them as we make and keep covenants. The mosaic pieces of light represent the truth and intelligence coming down to us. The fruit and flowers were chosen for the tree because they are all symbols of peace (figs, white poppy, apple blossom, cosmo, and lotus). They are the fruits of peace received from “waiting upon the Lord.” The dove also represents peace and the Holy Spirit. The gold wrapping around the tree is a reminder of God's great power in our lives and our divinity that can be remembered and realized as we seek Their truth and knowledge and constantly move upwards towards Them.