Meet Vincent Bernardy: Musician, Painter, and Artistic Recycler

Vincent Bernardy is a New Resident Artist at Studios On the Park 

I met him for the first time during the October Art after Dark Event. His assemblage works are so unique that after you've seen a few of them you wouldn't need a sign to know they are his. He seems to love creating things related to construction, but he doesn't limit his subjects to that. He does like bold colors. You can see that in the assemblage behind him.

You can also see that he has fun mixing his media.  Vincent shares a studio  with others, so what's on the shared desk isn't necessarily his. I'm guessing those toad abodes are somehow connected with studio mate Anna Meyrick who speicalizes in mosaics and ceramics.

Anna used to share a studio with Eve Provost Chartrand. My favorite source of news at the studios told me that the reason Eve left is that she thought she didn't know enough about art so she left to teach it. I had to chuckle at that, but I knew what he meant.

An Overview of the Art in Vincent's Studio Corner

When I first saw this corner, my first thought was "This guy really loves tools!" That large assemblage on the upper right side especially fascinated me. I asked Vincent about it. He told me he doesn't like to tell people what his works mean to him, since he wants each person to come at it with their own fresh perspective. If someone tells you what a piece of art is supposed to represent or mean, it limits what you might see for yourself. He did finally share his perspective with me, but I won't tell you what he said. It would be really interesting if you look at it and share what it means to you in the comments below. See the full frontal view of this piece, as well as Vincent's other art, on his webpage

The Tools

It's obvious that Vincent likes to use tools in his work -- not just to create it. As I looked at these, I thought what great gifts they might be to your favorite carpenter or handyman. What may not be obvious is that those screwdrivers actually are real and removable. One could actually use them and put them back. What a functional work of art -- especially for the person who can never find the right screwdriver when he or she needs it. Not only that, as you can see, you can also use it to hang smaller pictures. Only your imagination limits the uses.

The assemblage below also has another use. Technically, it's a coat rack. Look carefully and you'll see the hooks. The shadows will give you a hint as to where to look. Notice how carefully the screwdrivers are arranged to show off the various colors and sizes.

Music

Vincent Bernardi takes his music to many local venues. You can sample it on his YouTube channel. The song I liked best was "Rodeo Clown." He teamed up with Jade Jackson for this one. I met her for the first time when she was performing at Sculpterra one day in 2010. Here's a link to the video I made while looking around the tasting room while she was performing. It includes a brief interview with her at the end.

You can connect with Vincent on Instagram or on his website.

***

Meet Jordan Hockett at Studios on the Park

Jordan Hockett is New at Studios on the Park

I first met Jordan there on October 7 while waiting for Art after Dark to officially start. He was moving between studios setting things up. I finally caught him in his own studio and he confirmed he was an artist in residence -- not part of a set-up crew. Of course, artists in residence often do seem to be the set-up crew for a lot of events, so there's that.

Once I figured out Jordan belonged in that studio and I saw his work, I asked him to pose in front of the painting he's currently working on. You can see he likes abstract art. He gets some of his inspiration from tribal art in Africa and Mexico.

Jordan got some of his training as a student at the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy. He uses many different materials to express himself in art, and is proficient in both painting and sculpture. Find out more about him on his website.

Jordan Hockett Has a Zazzle Store

Here's where you can find all his store products there in one place.

Here are some of the designs that might give you an idea of the diversity of his work on Zazzle.  I'm sorry about all that white space, but I don't know how to get rid of it. Zazzle puts it in.

 day of dead skateboard deck alien wrist watch alien Two-Tone coffee mug

Jordan's Abstract Paintings

 Here are some of the paintings hanging on the wall of Jordan's studio.

These are some of his  smaller paintings with lower price points. This image is the correct size to pin on a Pinterest board.

Jordan's Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Sculptures

Jordan made these unique Jack-o-Lanterns and has been teaching classes on how to do it. The last class is this afternoon at 1, on Pioneer Day, but here's what he's been teaching people to do. I'm guessing it's at Studios on the Park. Class size is limited to eight. Cost is $60. All you need is to bring a pumpkin.

Which of Jordan's works do you like best?



***

Welcome to Art After Dark at Studios on the Park , Part 1

Welcome to Art after Dark at Studios on the Park

Studios on the Park in Paso Robles is just what its name implies. It's packed with artist studios and galleries. Most of the artists show up for events like the monthly Art after Dark. During these occasions you'll usually find at least one resident artist in each studio. I had the opportunity to meet some  new resident artists tonight. I hope to be featuring them in subsequent posts.

People Enjoying Art After Dark at Studios on the Park, © B. Radisavljevic

Since I saw enough tonight to fill several blog posts, this will be an overview of the entire event with few details. It will give you the pulse of the event with some of the sights and sounds. In other posts I'll take you into individual studios so you can see the work of many of the artists.

The Paso Robles Art Association Was Having a Party

Paso Robles Art Association Partying, © B. Radisavljevic

They have a gallery in this studio. The party was in full swing when I took this photo about an hour after it had started. As you can see, there aren't too many refreshments left. People are mingling, catching up with each other, and discussing the art. I'll do a post on this party later, and show you the art up close. This event started an hour before the main event.

The Main Event Begins with Music

By the time the event officially begins there is a musician or group ready to entertain those in attendance. Tonight that vocal artist was Swedish Sofia Talvik. I attempted to get a video, but decided not to use it. Instead, you'll hear Sofia live in the background when you see the video below of the Bound Scissors Project. Here's Sofia performing.

Sofia Talvik Performing at Studios on the Park October 7, 2017, © B. Radisavljevic

Sofia has many videos on YouTube that will give you an  idea of her diverse styles.  This is a bit different than what she sang tonight, but I loved the way she did it so I share it here. She is singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." You can find the lyrics here if you have trouble understanding them.  Here's the video.

I also loved this audio version of "When It Rains on Chrismas Day." You can listen to it for free.

The Wine

Local wineries donate wine for Art after Dark so that Studios on the Park can sell it and raise money to keep up its work of art education in our community and to keep its art programs accessible for both children and adults. I wish I'd had these kinds of opportunities to experience art when I was young.

People Waiting for their Wine, © B. Radisavljevic

Alta Colina donated the wine for tonight's event. You can see that many art lovers are also wine lovers. There's a lot of pouring going on.

The Bound Scissors Project

The Bound Scissors Project, © B. Radisavljevic

When I saw this, my first reaction was "What in the world is this?" After all, the scissors are useless for cutting anything. Creator Suzanna Scott bound them all tight in fabric and thread.

 So what is this good for? It encourages people to be creative. As people walk by, a sign invites them to rearrange the scissors in some design and then to post the photo to Instagram with the tag #boundscissorsproject. Many people did stop to do some rearranging. Here are some subsequent photos.

Obviously it takes an artist to do this artistically, so I noticed Anne Laddon having a go at it. She's the one with the red sleeves in the video. You will hear Sofia Talvik's voice in the background and experience a bit of what the rest of us heard throughout the evening.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to my series on tonight's Art after Dark. If you did, please share it. Use can use the image below on Pinterest.

***

Studios on the Park Brings Art to All Ages

How Much is that Guitar in the Window?

On my visit to Studios on the Park, our Paso Robles local art hub, I noticed this guitar in the window. There was a sign: "Win this guitar," but with no details as to how to win it.

 Electric Guitar for Some Lucky Winner  Photo © B. Radisavljevic

If you've never been to Studios on the Park, a peak past the reflection in this window will give you a glimpse. The art on the walls ranges from paintings to mixed media.  The doorways you see lead to individual artist studios and galleries. You will often have an opportunity to meet the artists in their studios.

After I took this picture, I went back inside to find out how one might win this guitar and how long the opportunity would last. I discovered that the guitar is a custom-made Gary Kramer electric guitar. Find out more about its construction and history here.  Proceeds from ticket sales went to support art programs for both children and adults. Find out more about these art education programs. 

Reflections on Studios on the Park

I have enjoyed visiting Studios on the Park for many years now. I've met many talented artists, seen their work, and watched their demonstrations. If you're interested in art and you're in Paso Robles on a weekend, you simply need to see what's happening there. A wonderful time to visit is the first Saturday night of each month. That's when you can experience the magic of Art After Dark. Don't miss it. 

I have increased my understanding and appreciation of art through my many visits with artists at Studios on the Park. As I reflect on those visits I see that the   artists I've met are very much like me in wanting to express their talent in a unique way. They use all kinds of media to carry their message. I use words and a camera.  I'm not very good at drawing or painting. 

It's not the particular talent we have that's important, but how we develop and use it. I don't have to create paintings or mosaics or sculptures to appreciate the skill that goes into making them.  It is enough to watch the artists in action and listen to them explain what goes into creating. What a wonderful opportunity those at Studios on the Park offer to anyone who wants to create or learn more about art. We are fortunate to have it in our town. 

Harold Spencer at Work in His Studio in April 2015, © B. Radisavljevic

Go and meet the artists while you can. Resident artists come and go. Some have left this world for the next. I'm so glad I met Harold Spencer before he died last year. Read his obituary to see the caliber of artist you can meet just by walking into Studios on the Park. His work is still on display in his old studio. I used to visit him there often to watch him work and talk to him. I miss seeing him now when I visit, but even living artists you can meet today may have moved by next month or year. 

As a regular visitor to Studios on the Park I've watched as artists develop and grow. Some have changed styles many times. I walked in one day and it seemed almost all the painters were creating abstract art. I'm not sure why.   Others experiment with new media, styles, or themes independent of what the other artists are doing. I'm getting to the place now where I almost don't need to see the artist's name to know whose work it is among the past and present resident artists.  Past residents often place their work in the monthly exhibits. 

Become a regular visitor. Then you will notice who's coming and going and catch up on studio gossip, as I did last night. Most of all, you'll keep up with the Paso Robles art scene and have a good time. So don't miss Art after Dark on October 7. There will be lively music, fine wine, and refreshments -- if you look around. It's a great introduction to Studios on the Park.  See you there. 

Please Pin This Photo to Share This Post with Others

This post is for Day 2 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge  It's not too late to join.

More Art To Be on Display for the Soundscapes Exhibit at Studios on the Park

On Sunday I showed you a project Eve Chartrand was working on with a violin  for the Soundscapes exhibit opening on February 4 at Studios on the Park. Eve also showed me a guitar her studio partner, Anna Meyrick, has  finished. Above is the front of the guitar. Anna's favored medium is mosaics.

This is the back of the guitar, which  Eve is holding up so you can see it better. These photos were taken in the studio shared by Anna and Eve at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles.

If you live in the Paso Robles area,  I hope you will come to see the Soundscapes exhibit. It will be the most fun if you come for Art after Dark , February 6, 6-9 pm for music, art, and wine. 

 Music quote - poster

 Three Guitars Poster Music Speaks Poster

How Will You Celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day?

It is very easy to celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day here in Paso Robles. Artists abound here on the Central Coast, and there are many places where you can see their work. One way to inspire your heart with art is to visit a local gallery like Heritage Gallery West or one of the exhibits at Studios on the Park. You are sure to find some art that will inspire you at either place.

I visited Studios on the Park recently, and the first thing to catch my eye was the window display for the currently showing "Migrations" exhibit. The windows here always have two works of art. One is the collection of art pieces put in the windows  to be viewed by those passing by. The other is the reflection from the park across the street. On this visit it was nearing time for sunset. So you see the painting inside the gallery, and you see the reflection superimposed on it.

 I've never come away from Studios on the Park without amazement at how creative the artists are. On this visit I talked to two artists preparing for the Soundscapes Exhibit which opens on February 4, 2016. They are working in two completely different media.

The first one I talked to was Eve Chartrand. I was intrigued by the violin she was working on. She allowed me to let her explain how she was transforming it, in this video. See a previous post written after a visit to  Eve's studio, which she shares with Anna Meyrick, here. 

The other artist I talked to  was Anne Laddon. She was also  preparing work for the Soundscapes exhibit -- five paintings. We see her here at work on one of them in her studio. She is looking critically at something she wants to change in the color scheme in this painting and is pondering what color to substitute for the one she's not happy with.

She is working from this photograph as a model for her painting. 

This visit made it obvious to me that before I see art that inspires me, an artist's heart first has to be inspired to create it. If the artist isn't inspired first, the artwork will probably not inspire those who see it.

 I love going to Studios on the Park because I can see the creation process and learn what is in the mind of the artists as they create. I'm anxious to see the finished works I saw in the process of creation. I hope I'll be able to go to see the Soundscapes exhibit this weekend.

Studios On the Park: Studio of Anna Meyrick and Eve Chartrand

Some artists who share studios, for example Anne Laddon  and Tamara Thornton, work with the same media. Though they have  different styles and subjects, they use similar materials. If you enter the studio shared by Eve Chartrand and Anna Meyrick,  however, their walls show art  quite different  in both method and style. Let's look at Eve Provost Chartrand first.

Eve collects objects that speak  to her in a special way. As she thinks about them, ideas form as to how to use them to express art worthy of reflection. She often mixes media to express her ideas, or she may make a print, lightbox, or assemblage. You can see examples of all these types of work on her web site. To see these photos in more detail, just click to enlarge them.

Anna Meyrick's half of the studio is quite different than Eve's. As you can see, Anna's specialty is her mosaic art, though she also draws and paints. She has been involved in art education for over twenty years. She has used her artistic creativity to help those with special needs and at-risk young people.

Here are some of her other mosaics on her wall at Studios on the Park.  Learn more about her on her website. 

Click Photo to Enlarge

Not all of the artists in the related articles below are still in residence at Studios on the Park, but these articles were written while they were there.

Related articles

• Don't Miss Art After Dark Tonight at Studios on the Park
• Lynn Kishiyama Back in Residence at Studios On the Park
• Meet Joe Thomas at Studios at the Park

Studios on the Park Crafts: Larry Le Brane

One of the artists currently featured in Studio 9 at Studios on the Park is Larry Le Brane. I've been following his work for a few years now at various exhibits. Larry enjoys working with many different media. Here is some work he is showing in the current exhibit at Studio 9.

The first display features some of the work Larry is most known for. That would include his stiletto shoes, right, under the rose window on top. All four of these glass works on the pedestals  are by Larry Le Brane. Unfortunately, I didn't get a side view of the stilettos. They show better from the side and back views. You'll have to  come in to see them.

The glass is shown to best advantage in natural light. I'm going to include a photo  I took of Larry's work at the Festival of the Arts in 2012. You can see how brightly the sun shines through this version of a rose window.

This tall display shows more of Larry's fused glass work. To see his drawings and paintings, you will need to visit his web site.  All of Larry's work   is best viewed in person, so don't miss it while it's in Studio 9.

Related articles

• Sculptures by Central Coast Artist Vel Miller
• J is for Judy Lyon, Artist
• One of the Most Painted Buildings in Paso Robles

Studios on the Park, 11-7-15, Part 1

Back Wall of the Studio of Anne Laddon
 and Tamara Thornton at Studios on the Park, 

Whenever I visit Studios on the Park, my first stop is usually at the first door to my left -- the studio of Anne Laddon and Tamara Thornton. Today neither of them  was there when I was, but I was still able to get some photos of their studio walls. The back wall, pictured here, displays paintings of both of them. Just click to enlarge any photo  for a closer look.

Display of Anne Laddon's Paintings in her Studio

Anne's wall shows a number of florals and still life works. It also appears she's been on some of those trips to Hearst Castle with the children in the Kids are Art Smart Program. She hasn't stopped painting vineyard scenes, though. I think I saw some of her colorful paintings of cows and goats hidden in a corner.

Tamara Thornton's Paintings on Display at Studios on the Park

Tamara is showing some of her dog paintings she's so good at. I love the one on the back wall of the dog in the chair with all the ties on the wall behind. The dogs on her side wall are a bit more dressed up. I love the pigs. I believe she will also paint your pets if you want to commission her to do them.

If you missed Art After Dark Saturday night, you don't have to miss the art. You can still visit Studios on the Park on Thursday through Sunday of each week. See Studio on the Park's website for hours and other information. 

Related articles

• A Visit to Studios on the Park: The Art Hub Of Paso Robles
• J is for Judy Lyon, Artist
• Don't Miss Art After Dark Tonight at Studios on the Park