We were lucky to catch up with Bernardo Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bernardo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I would say I’m incredibly privileged to live a creative life and to be sensitive to the ideas floating in the ether. I tend to walk a tightrope in my mentality surrounding the artistic life. I believe what we make matters tremendously, and also doesn’t matter at all. I believe creativity can be both a crushing undertaking and a wonderful privilege. These paradoxes are what make the artist’s life so intriguing and fulfilling to me. Levels of happiness are in constant flux with every human, especially in the current state of this world. But having the honor to make a living being a creative, is something I will never take for granted. I have had many “regular” jobs in my life, but even in those positions I found the value they could bring to my creative side, whether it was interacting with people from all walks of life, to serving others, every moment that I’ve been present and aware of the power of Now, has contributed positively to my life as an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Well, I would start by saying that my name is Bernardo Rodriguez. I’m a multifaceted artist whose journey from the Dominican Republic to the bustling streets of New York City has deeply influenced my creative narrative. My passion for crafting intricate, detailed illustrations and paintings seamlessly melds with my personal experiences, often culminating in depictions of the human experience, the intimate corners of New York, and poignant everyday moments.

For now, a majority of my art gravitates towards portraits, capturing the essence of my subjects with precision. My dedication has led to international acclaim, with my illustrations gracing the pages of The New Yorker, The Marshall Project, and Italy’s Domus magazine.

In 2022, I achieved my MFA from the School of Visual Arts, an accomplishment underscored by my receipt of the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award for excellence in illustration. I was also chosen as the graduate speaker for the class of 2022, delivering my address at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Beyond academic achievements, my art has been recognized and embraced by galleries and museums worldwide. My works have adorned the walls of SVA’s Chelsea Gallery, Peekskill’s H-Art Gallery, 13 Frost Gallery in Brooklyn, and Syracuse University’s Gallery in Florence, Italy, where I immersed myself in the rich artistry of the city. Recently, my art found a proud place in the esteemed Long Island Museum, a testament to its significance and appeal.

Presently, I collaborate with internationally renowned artist Tavares Strachan, serving as a Senior Artist at Isolated Labs studio in Manhattan. This collaborative spirit, combined with my dedication to authentic storytelling, ensures that I will remain a compelling voice in the global art scene.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the need to make art that pleases others. I grew up in an environment that wasn’t the most artistically supportive and felt that I needed to make work that was photorealistic and considered “good” to the layman’s eye. In the last few years, I’ve attempted to embrace my background as a realist painter, while also breaking the molds and walls I had put up for myself.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely. Reading is a wonderful way of transporting the mind. All of Eckhart Tolle’s work has played a huge influence on my mindset and presence as a human. Alan Watts as well. Recently, the most influential book I’ve had the honor of reading was The Creative Act, by Rick Rubin. It encompasses the creative process so beautifully, and is a must-read for any creative, in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Website: bernardoarts.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/artofbernardo