Mia Bergeron is a contemporary female oil painter focused on the dualism of everyday scenes. Rooted in her upbringing in New York City with continuous exposure to modern art at a young age, her paintings also reveal her choice to study classical painting in Florence, Italy. Throughout her work, influences of both contemporary and historical ideas can be seen, whether rooted by her choice of subjects or the exploratory nature of the tools she employs. Her work seeks to show the nebulous aspects of being human, often choosing to pose a question rather than pursue an answer. Topics Discussed In This Episode: Expanding the definitions of unconditional love. Being grateful and observant of personal obstacles as the first step of engagement / change. Her experience with an absence of internal monologue and a heightened sense of physical awareness. Approaching religion as mythology and stories of self. How humans use religion and mythology to rationalize evil and condone immoral action. Her personal way separating from academic and institutional modes of creation while trying to find her personal creative voice. Engaging with art (and people) in person instead of through Instagram and other readily accessible forms of e-media.  The craving that human beings have for real connection vs. the illusion of the connection through social media.  Disregarding the need for a very natural “tribe mentality.” Her personal triggers for anxiety and her methods of reestablishing her mind-body connection when anxiety hits. Breaking down overwhelming tasks both in and outside artistic practice. www.artistdecoded.com