Marc Bernardi’s work is all about metamorphosis — turning something as simple as a reed in a pond into an unrecognizable, abstract picture.
“I watch the image morph into something else,” Bernardi says. “Sometimes I’m with a particular image for a couple days watching where it will go, and sometimes it’ll go places on its own. I do have a curiosity to see what it will become. … I transform things that would normally be boring into art.”
Change is something that comes naturally to Bernardi. From pharmacist to scuba diving instructor to property manager, Bernardi has had a peculiar trajectory. Then add in recovering from alcoholism, Parkinson’s disease and four brain surgeries, and it’s clear Bernardi is resilient and adaptable.
“I have a lot things I’m recovering from,” he says. “I made a lot of life changes, and [becoming an artist] seems most natural.”
Bernardi’s work will be on display at the National Center for Atmospheric Research through July 31. Since starting this project 18 months ago, he has produced an extensive body of work, and this is his first gallery show.
Photography has always been a part of Bernardi’s life since his scuba diving guide days. He says he had to become a good photographer to market his business. But after his business slowed down after Sept. 11 and his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, Bernardi continued doing photography as a hobby.
His work in the NCAR show varies in subject matter from pictures of European alley ways to a pond near his house in Shanahan Ridge. Bernardi uses high dynamic range photography in which he takes three consecutive photos, one underexposed, one overexposed and another just right. Next, he then layers all three photos on top of each other, darkening the lighter areas and lightening the dark areas to produce a richer photo. Then Bernardi drops the picture into Photoshop and has some fun.
“I use the Adobe Photoshop tools every way they aren’t supposed to be used. They’d roll over if the knew what I was doing with their tools,” he says with a laugh.
His style has developed organically from Bernardi exploring and experimenting with different aesthetics. There’s a clear range and evolution in his work, with pieces from simple and understated to intricate and complex. Considering the starting point of the photo and the finished product, the journey of the image is filled with a curiosity and a whimsical aspect. That feeling isn’t just a coincidence since producing these images are less work and more play for Bernardi.
“This started off as the most incredibly joyful thing I could do,” he says. “I just love this; it’s probably my favorite thing to do. It can be 1 a.m. when I look at my computer, and I think, ‘Oh no, I’ve got to go to bed.’”
Bernardi isn’t shy to talk about the troubles he’s been through. But even from being sober 25 years to recently having four brain surgeries to help his Parkinson’s symptoms, it’s Bernardi’s positive attitude that shines through. He calls it his greatest asset during these difficult times. And he says he hopes in sharing his work, other people in similar conditions will be inspired to persevere.
“[My work] has brought me a lot of joy,” he says. “And I’d like it to bring other people joy.”
Even though he refers to himself as an artist in recovery, he says he doesn’t draw too much inspiration from his hardships. But they have helped his confidence.
“I think I got more willing to be creative after the brain surgery, more willing to go outside the box, more comfortable in myself to say, ‘Let’s try this!’” he says.
While he may not use it in his work, art has helped Bernardi to heal, he says. It works as an escape and a good way to unwind in his down time.
“Some people watch TV,” he says. “I make art, and it so much better than TV.”
ON THE BILL: Artist Reception with Marc Bernardi, 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Community Art Program Gallery, NCAR, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, 303-497-1174. Contemporary photography: Marc Bernardi. On display through July 31.
