Guide to the Bernice Bing papers M2651

Gurudarshan Khalsa

Department of Special Collections and University Archives

2021

Green Library

557 Escondido Mall

Stanford 94305-6064

Fax Number: (650) 723-8690

specialcollections@stanford.edu

URL: https://library.stanford.edu/libraries/special-collections

Contributing Institution: Department of Special Collections and University Archives

Title: Bernice Bing papers

Creator: Bing, Bernice, 1936-1998

source: Bernice Bing Estate

Identifier/Call Number: M2651

Physical Description: 11 Linear Feet (12 manuscript boxes, 1 half manuscript box, 10 flat boxes, 3 map folders)

Physical Description: 11.06 gigabyte(s) Disk images for reformatted optical media: 3 DVD-Rs, 5 CD-Rs.

Date (inclusive): 1957-2019

Abstract: The Bernice Bing papers document the life and work of the Asian American lesbian artist Bernice Bing.

Language of Material: English .

Scope and Contents

The Bernice Bing papers document the life and work of the San Franciscan Abstract Expressionist Asian American artist. The materials include journals, sketchbooks, arwork (acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings on paper, board, metal, and canvas) Chinese calligraphy on paper, prints (etchings and lithographs), correspondence, diplomas and certificates, photographs, negatives, slides, exhibition posters, newspaper clippings, art supplies (paintbrushes and pencils), ephemera, and other materials.

Biographical / Historical

Bernice Bing was born on April 10, 1936 in San Francisco, California. When she was six years old her mother died and her and her sister were mostly raised in foster homes and by their grandmother. Bing also lived in the Ming Quong Home. She was encouraged by her grandmother to explore her interest in art.

Bing graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1955 and briefly attended the California College of Arts and Crafts before graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Masters of Fine Art (MFA).

Bing became involved in the Beat Era art-scene of the San Francisco Bay Area and began painting Abstract Expressionism. In 1963 she became the caretaker of the Mayacamas Vineyard in Napa county. While there she finished a series of paintings. In 1967 she was selected for one of the 12 slots for the first residence program at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur.

Bing worked in the Neighborhood Arts Program in San Francisco, was involved in the San Francisco Arts Festival, and was the Director of the South of Market Cultural Center. She Attended the Zhejiang Academy/China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China, where she studied traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink painting.

In 1989 Bing joined the Asian American Women Artists Association.

Bernice Bing died at her home in Philo, California on August 18, 1998.

Bernice Bing received many awards for her art and for her community work.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual & born-digital materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

Conditions Governing Use

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], Bernice Bing papers (M2651). Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, California.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Chinese American women

Art, American -- California.

Art, American

Art Exhibits

Asian American art -- 20th century.

Asian Americans -- California.

Lesbians.

Bernice Bing Estate

Box 1, folder 1

"A visual experiences 63" sketchbook

Green sketchbook: [a visual experiences 63']