RENEE MONTEIRO-BERNARD

Renee Monteiro-Bernard
[2000, Industrial Design]

Based in South Dartmouth, MA

Renee Monteiro-Bernard’s RISD Craft Gallery

Natural materials are used to create compositions that exhibit complementary interactions between forms. The natural forms may be hand painted, manipulated digitally in terms of color, or left in their original state. The natural forms are photographed by use of an open frame scanner in the dark. Natural forms whose parts lay directly upon the glass of the scanner reveal clear depictions and are the most focused, while other distant parts of the forms from the glass surface fall into the depth of the dark. The result is an ethereal representation of the natural worlds distinct forms.

What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?

For me, as a multi-disciplinary artist and designer, I feel that in my creative process that not being afraid to experiment is vital. I have found some of the most amazing results with exportation. This inspires me to see what will be next in my creative journey, enjoying the surprises that both fail and succeed…because there is always something to learn from either.

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

My time spent at RISD as both a student and an instructor has allowed me to grasp the importance of multi-disciplinary work in design and fine arts. A cross-pollination of techniques, skills and practices lend to appreciating and treasuring the process of experimentation, exploration and innovation as an artist and designer.

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

The natural world has always remained my muse in design and fine art. The natural world has worked its elements into my mixed-media painting with natural found objects used as illusion, my design background with bio-mimicry, site-specific outdoor installation and my photography in the realms of macro and scanography.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

A favored body of work is my most recent in the past year.. a collection of dramatic scanner bed photography that presents natural forms in a way that celebrates their “natural” beauty and at the same time begs the viewer to question its realism.

Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?

Recognized in education for STEAM Integration at the Secondary level in the New Bedford school district & Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I believe it is important – especially as an instructor in the arts, to “practice what you preach”. Process and exploration is extremely important. Without it, I would not have discovered my newest body of work in photography. I encourage both students and working artists and designers to work outside their comfort zones … I personally was amazed and excited about my findings in photography!! Hidden talents that I had not put into action, and when I did the results were inspiring.

To see more of Renee Monteiro-Bernard’s work, visit divinedarkroom.com


BELA MONDE

Lisa Limer
[1977, Photography]

Based in Pawtucket, RI

Bela Monde’s RISD Craft Gallery

 

Bela Monde is an accessory/lifestyle company and is a natural out growth of my professional life as a travel photographer. For over 20 years I was under contract as a photographer with Conde Nast Traveler and collaborated with other national and international publications as a freelancer. My textiles originate from this archive of photographs taken from around the world. I transform my photographs into abstracted designs that are both sophisticated and representative of the destination that inspired its creation.

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

I directly transform elements from my extensive archive of photographs to create my textile designs which are then digitally printed onto 100% silk.

What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?

Using photoshop to identify elements in my photographs and transform them in such a way as to reflect a particular culture/destination. Digitally printing on silk these patterns and sewing them by hand to create wearable art: scarves, caftans, robes, and pajamas.

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

I believe that travel is a transformative experience. I use my extensive travel from around the world as a travel photographer for prestigious magazines……40 countries on 6 continents in over 15 years….as my means to create wearable art that express my story, inspiration and respect for global cultures.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

I will be exhibiting our new loungewear collection of robes and pajamas as well as scarves–all 100% silk, sewn locally and 100% American made. Our new collection draws its inspiration from  India, Laos, Thailand, Morocco and Spain.

Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?

RI MONTHLY – MARCH 2018

PROVIDENCE MONTHLY – JUNE 2018: Pg 48-49

To see more of Lisa’s work, visit belamonde.com