Bernardica Sculac Stern

My artistic outlook is to look for beauty all around me. I choose to look for beauty everywhere: it could be flowers, or the play of light in a cityscape, or the myriad of colors of a crashing ocean wave. When creating art, I am trying to express how and why something is beautiful to me.At its core, my artistic practice is driven by a twofold mission: to create beauty and to bring joy to the viewer—principles that have guided me throughout my artistic life.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I found solace and inspiration in the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, visiting every Friday night after work. Immersing myself in the museum’s collections provided both rest and rejuvenation, which naturally influenced my artistic style. I continue to learn at art galleries, doing studio classes at Parsons and the Art Students League of New York, and experimenting on my own.Because of my diverse interests, I create works in a variety of styles to realize my vision. This is why the styles of my work include impressionism, abstract expressionism, as well as representational. As a singer, music is a major part of my life. I feel deeply when I listen to music, and my “Music as Paintings” series is an expression of what I feel listening to particular pieces. I believe this series is my unique contribution to Art.

After three decades, I can finally declare: "I am an artist."As a child of immigrants, I was raised by loving parents who instilled a deep appreciation for both cultural heritage and a chosen home. In addition to being an artist, I'm a spouse, civil servant, singer, and avid gardener. These diverse roles and experiences have shaped my identity, continuously influencing my artistic journey.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I found solace and inspiration in the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, visiting every Friday night after work. Immersing myself in the museum’s collections provided both rest and rejuvenation, which naturally influenced my artistic style. My work reflects a blend of influences from beloved artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Alma Thomas, Hilma af Klint, Georges Seurat, Maximilien Luce, Vincent van Gogh, and Gustav Klimt. A transformative trip to Croatia in 2018 also introduced me to the works of Croatian painter Jozo Kljaković and sculptor Ivan Meštrović, whose art continues to be an inspiration.Like many artists, I experience emotions deeply, with a profound sensitivity to people and the natural world. Whether capturing landscapes or florals, my work seeks to translate these emotions into visual form. At its core, my artistic practice is driven by a twofold mission: to create beauty and to bring joy to the viewer—principles that have guided me throughout my artistic life.I've spent much of 2025 cultivating a professional portfolio, yielding recognition in several international Juried Art competitions.