We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Berto Fernández. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Berto below.

Berto, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think my artistic side manifested at a very young age from watching my paternal grandmother do her oil painting. I was mesmerized by what she created on canvas. After that, my parents enrolled me in art classes every weekend, which really helped me let my imagination and creativity shine. At the age of 9, my artistic interest shifted when I discovered singing. I had a crush on a classmate that was in the school choir, so I decided to try out for it. I will never forget it, after my audition, the choir director came to talk to me during History class, to tell me I had great pitch and rhythm, and that he would love for me to join the group. That’s where I developed my musical ear, which to this day helps with harmonies when studying a show. Throughout my singing career, I think my biggest obstacle has been my own saboteur. Self-doubt can make or break an artist. That’s when I started practicing meditation to help me cope with my anxiety and unhealthy thoughts.

Berto, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always considered myself to be an artist. My sensibility and intuition guide me so I can turn emotions into art, music, theatre. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which was an absolute joy. Inspiring landscapes and culture were part of my everyday life. They have certainly shaped my artwork and vision.

I love thinking outside of the box. I enjoy creating artwork based on feelings, emotions, and moods. When it comes to art, I enjoy mixing media on canvas. I paint with coffee, wine, seasonings, supplements, bath products, and I even bring gemstones into the mix, letting their core energy move the material on the canvas.

Art, Music, and Theatre are so important for Humanity, particularly during these tumultuous times. My dream is to create a multi-sensory theatrical experience to empower the audience by stimulating their emotions to the core. Social awareness is another one of the causes that are very dear to me as a Queer artist. Now is the time to spread love, kindness, respect, and this is my way of making a change.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect as an artist is when the audience understands your point of view and your message in creating your work. When someone reaches out and says: ‘Your performance really moved me.” or “Your art piece made me feel…”. That’s why we do what we do, to dig those emotions out of humans. Emotionally driven art induces peace, trauma, social conflict, joy, so many other necessary feelings to cope with human reality. I feel accomplished when my work makes people stop and think, about their own lives and others. We all need that.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society needs to continue supporting artists directly. In this dog eat dog money driven World, common courtesy and consideration are dwindling. When sharing art on social media, take the extra step to tag the artist. That way, we can grow our audience, and in return make a fair profit for our time and hard work. Make it a point to go to the theater and watch live performances, there’s nothing quite like the energy spark created in that space.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bertoworld.com
• Instagram: Berto.world

Image Credits
Headshots: Rachel Tate Theatre: Ken Jacques Rocker: Robby Lufty

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