Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette Renois
Hi Bernadette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a member of Open Ground Studios in the Monterey area of California. In February of 2023, I acquired a cozy dedicated space where I create alongside three other amazing artists, Paul Richmond, Anne Ylvisaker and Carol Diggory Shields, Prior to that I was a coop member at OGS for almost a year.
About six months after moving to the Monterey area, I visited my art mentor in Arroyo Grande, CA and brought a pile of projects I was working on. Instead of holding my hand through the next steps, she looked in my eyes and told me I needed to find my own community where I lived. This beloved mentor was the first person to encourage my artist self to shine. I often say, when she spoke, I heard her voice. Within a week, I found Denese Sanders and Open Ground Studios. Being at OGS gave me a foundation of support. Each artist I’ve met there inspires me with their art and story, and reminds me that I am an artist, that I am allowed to make art. Their encouragement is the counter argument to my inner doubt.
Before being a part of the OGS community, I was freshly acquainted with my artist self. When my kids were 4 and 2, I visited a newly opened art studio near our home on the Central Coast, in hopes of finding an art class for my children. The moment I walked into LilA, I felt like I was home. Alongside my children, I learned to see myself as an artist and to create for the sake of creativity. Our beloved mentor and friend passed away earlier this year. The grief is confusing but the gratitude for what I learned in those few years at LilA is deep and lifelong.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I often explain my current perspective like this, “I accept myself as an artist, but I still struggle to accept that being an artist is a valid path.”
It took years to feel comfortable calling myself an artist. With support from friends and the art community, now I am happy to tell the world. I mean, I must be an artist because I make a lot of art.
I grew up with a practical view about work, got a business degree and then struggled after college to feel a sense of purpose in my career. Now I am unlayering these old beliefs about pursuing a creative career. I wish I could say I was in a more confident place but every now again, I experience shameless creativity. That’s a sweet spot for sure.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Open Ground Studios is preparing to be open for our county’s Open Studios Art Tour this weekend. For promotion, I was asked how I wanted to describe my art. I struggle to call my work mixed media, although that is an accurate description, because it seems generic. I experience a personal relationship with each medium I use whether it’s a juicy ink pen, acrylic paint washes, thread, stripped tshirt material or scraps of paper. So, I came up with ‘Visual Magic’. That’s my specialty, visual magic!
I think if you were to ask those around me, they would comment on how playful my process can be. Since I have no technical art training, I call my studio time, “Bernie’s Art School.”
I think I’m proud of myself for two important reasons. First, the cognitive battle to believe my creativity is necessary and valuable can be exhausting, but I continue making art. Second, I am proud that I can sincerely say that I like (some of) my work. As many creatives understand, the process can be the most important part of the making, but it is an extra sweet cherry on top when I enjoy looking at my own creations. On the other side of that point, I do not take it personal when I’m not satisfied with what I produce. What I do like and what I don’t like, it is all helpful information that allows me to fine tune my style and skills.
I do not think I’ve set myself apart from others yet and I am okay with that. I am still in a playful process as I learn more about myself and build up my creative skills. I feel like I am on a metaphorical fence and about to jump into the other side, which is more meaningful work. I hope to tell visual stories about my experiences as a sensitive human. Maybe the point for me is not to set myself apart but rather to be relatable.
Actually, I thought of one trait that makes me feel like an outsider. I’m 39, technically a Millennial, and I do not use social media. It’s just not for me. I’m still surprised that I finally said okay to having a website. My first business cards had the handwritten message, “Visit me at OGS!” My preference is face to face communication. I desire to be most connected to the people around me, starting with myself, then my spouse and kids, and growing out from there.
What does success mean to you?
Creative success for me is making (almost) every day and staying inspired. Even when the other priorities of life pull on me or the voice of doubt is loud, I keep creating. Today I filled two sheets of watercolor paper with layers of marks and paint splotches. Today’s creations will inspire my future makings and if I share my art, might inspire someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bernadetterenois.com
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/BjgP2gHktSI?si=uofJq8RZkTPJ-mwA&t=1652
Image Credits
Bernadette Renois