Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Merced.
Hi Bernice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a self-taught multidisciplinary artist by passion and a multimedia designer and developer by profession.
I was interested in art from a very young age. I always felt at my core that art was an essential part of my life. Knowing this, coupled with my fascination with learning new things, led me to creative pursuits throughout my life. Including graphic arts, graphic design, scenic art, photography, multimedia, web design to a professional career in multimedia design and development. In which I have been practicing professionally for 18 years in visual communications and interactive design.
One of the most powerful things an artist can have is both an artistic and technical background. In my case, I don’t separate the two. I see it as being an artist with more tools at my disposal to use in my work.
Because of this, I can work both traditionally or digitally. Sometimes I’ll even mix the two, which can be so much fun.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most recent challenges that I experienced, which I certainly was not alone, was in 2020. Unfortunately, the company I work for was affected by the pandemic. I was one of the many furloughed in April 2020.
Through the years, I would balance my art with my career. But when I got furloughed, I took the opportunity to focus on my art full time. I was able to work on personal projects, commission portraits, and some really exciting projects where I’ve met some incredible people and made so many amazing connections. Including opening a print-on-demand online shop featuring my custom art and designs on art prints, t-shirts, and other print novelties.
One of the most rewarding personal projects I was able to work on as a way of giving back even in a small way, was my ‘THANK YOU! Portrait Series’. I made an open call for those that were interested in participating in my project. My goal was to create 12 digital portraits of essential health care workers.
This was my way of saying ‘THANK YOU!’ to the collective essential health care workers around the world. As well as expressing my gratitude for each person in the portrait. In addition to the digital portrait, each person received their very own archival print portrait as a gift.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to create work that is open to an individual’s interpretation, in which they can project themselves into it. And whatever experiences they have had in their lives is what translates how they read the work.
I also like showing the subconscious energy in my work. There are times where I keep the markings that can sometimes evolve from that energy. Whether it’s a brushstroke, hatchwork, paint texture, splashes, or the markings of the tool I happen to be using.
In all things, I always say that I’m a life-long learner. With art, it’s no different. I’m still learning and evolving as an artist. In art, there will always be room to experiment, learn, and grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@bhive-studio.com
- Website: https://bhive-studio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhive.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhivestudioart
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bhive.studio
Image Credits
Leila Palmer on profile photo only
