MEET BERNADETTE!
Bernadette Fertal is a Sophomore Art Therapy and Art History student here at Marywood University! (She’s also one of our current bloggers!) I have had many classes with Bernadette throughout the past four semesters, I love creating along side them and seeing their artistic style. I decided to interview them because I love their art! Let’s get to know Bernadette!
Name: Bernadette Fertal
Year of Graduation: Class of 2024
Major: Art Therapy
Minor(s): Art History
I am majoring in Art because… I have been in love with art ever since I can remember, and art, specifically art therapy, has felt like one of the most natural and fulfilling ventures I have delved into.
The kinds of things that inspire me are… nature, social issues, and personal expression inspire my art a lot. What inspires me personally are my siblings and my friends.
My favorite art class so far was… Sculpture I with Heidi. I love creating three dimensional art and found it so exciting to explore new techniques like soldering and welding.
When I am not in class… I am taking care of my dorm plants, hyper focusing on a new art medium or annoying my roommate.
The coolest thing I have done at Marywood so far was… participating in the foundation’s year exhibition this fall! It was such a cool experience to see my peers work and mine displayed for the whole community.
When I graduate…. I would like to work as an art therapist, most likely with children and somewhere that I can incorporate social work and community building. I would also like to get my doctorate someday.
I would recommend the Art program at Marywood because… ever since first starting in Marywood’s art program it has been clear how passionate each and every professor is about making sure students feel empowered and encouraged in their art making and learning processes. I can easily see the many ways I have become a better artist and that growth is owed to their commitment to helping me become the best I can be.
…it has been clear how passionate each and every professor is about making sure students feel empowered and encouraged…
What excites me most about Art is… the incredible ways it can help people. Every semester I am blown away by the power of art as a healing force in the world and the different ways it can affect individuals, groups and entire communities.
Who is your favorite artist and why? How do they influence you? My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo. I love both her artwork and her powerful life story. I am inspired by her drive to express herself through art despite the struggles she faced both internally and from the society and culture around her, as well as the way she spoke out about important issues that resonated with her.
Thank you guys for reading! I loved interviewing Bernadette and I hope you liked getting to know them and their style as well! Stay tuned for our next student spotlight blog coming out in two weeks! Till next time!