Creative Liberties celebrates stainless steel artist

Ralph Berger, 80, could never draw a face or a tree, so he made his own brand of art. 

On July 19, at Creative Liberties, he celebrated retirement from approximately 20 years of producing his distinctive circular steel pieces with laser-cut designs. 

Photo by Ian Swaby

“Many people say to me, ‘Is it Inuit art?’ ‘Is it African art?’ It’s just between my ears. It’s my feeling,” said Berger, who is originally from Boston and who, along with his wife Joyce Berger, has called Sarasota home for about four years.

It all started with doodles he created while relaxing or watching TV, before he was inspired to incorporate them into steel when he took a welding class while living in North Carolina. 

Each unique drawing is traced over a saw blade using soapstone, followed by a special marker, then cut with a plasma torch. Complementary images are created from the inverse of each design.

“I've been really blessed, because I don't have an art education," he said. "Most people are happy to see my art; they dig it. It gives them a good feeling and they like it, and that makes me feel good.”

Now, he hopes to focus on his “Riffing with Ralph” podcast, which is described as enabling people “to better understand and respect each other.”

“Ralph and his wife Joyce are truly a beacon of light in the art community of Sarasota,” wrote Barbara Gerdeman of Creative Liberties, stating she was excited for his future adventures. “They are genuine and supportive and are always there to encourage their fellow artists.”