John Bjerklie
April 03, 1953 - March 09, 2024Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Bjerklie on March 9, 2024. Born on April 3, 1953, John was the son of John and Marjorie Bjerklie and is survived by his three siblings, Ellen, Kirsten, and David and his loving wife of 44 years Poogy Bjerklie.
John's creativity, energy, optimism, and encouragement inspired all who knew him. He was known in his artist community as BigHat, and his legacy will live on through his performances, sculptures, paintings and drawings. Along with being an artist, he was a great friend, teacher, mentor, Uncle, scenic, dancer, yoga practitioner, among many other hats he wore in addition to his signature big hat. He will be greatly missed. His family will add to these words in the coming weeks.
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Memories and Condolences
I had the great privilege of being John's apartment mate and buddy for a year at Syracuse University. He was one of the most creative, humourous and gifted artists I ever knew. I remember a series of zerox art works he created which he called zerox art by oxrot. He was a unique conceptual artist alw...
Fred MarshallCondolenceI believe that becoming an artist is one of the best ways we can live out our true potential as human beings. John Bjerklie taught me how to be an art...
Valerie HegartyMemory
I took this portrait of John in his studio in Brooklyn. I represented to me the role John played in my life. Everytime I would meet with John, I wou...
Nora HertingMemory
Big Hat in action, next to the cabin he created in Brittany. He welcomed, especially Poogy, Alun and many artists to paint, relax or make a portrait i...
ClaireMemoryI took this portrait of John in his studio in Brooklyn. I represented to me the role John played in my life. Everytime I would meet with John, I wou...
Nora HertingMemoryThank you, John, for this great project: the Slow Healing Train, and for inviting many artists to participate in the past and future. Claire...
ClaireMemory
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