Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Bernice Bing papers
- Dates:
- 1957-2019
- Creators:
- Bing, Bernice, 1936-1998 and Bernice Bing Estate
- Abstract:
- The Bernice Bing papers document the life and work of the Asian American lesbian artist Bernice Bing.
- Extent:
- 11 Linear Feet (12 manuscript boxes, 1 half manuscript box, 10 flat boxes, 3 map folders)
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], Bernice Bing papers (M2651). Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, California.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
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.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-02-10 16:39:48 -0800 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open for research, with the exception of born-digital materials, which are closed until processed. 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.
- Terms of access:
-
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.
- Location of this collection:
-
Department of Special Collections, Green Library557 Escondido MallStanford, CA 94305-6004, US
- Contact:
- (650) 725-1022