Rediscovering the Joy of Art: Jackie Bernardi (Episode 09)

Written ByCJLANTIER

30 September, 2025

In this episode, I chat with mixed media artist Jackie Bernardi about her journey back to art after being away for many years. Jackie shares how gel printing helped her fall in love with creating again, and why she focuses more on the joy of the process than on the final piece. We talk about the magic of transparency in gel prints and collage, the power of community, and how YouTube has connected her with other artists and fueled her growth. Jackie also lets us in on some of her future plans—like perhaps a big oyster collage project that she actually started last winter and her inclusion as an instructor for the Gel Print Summit—and encourages all of us to keep experimenting, keep creating, and not let the fear of judgment hold us back.

**********

Show Notes via Email

Sign up to get one (two if we have a bonus episode) email per week from Beyond the Brayer with full linked show notes for your convenience. Subscribe here.

**********

Watch on YouTube

Please subscribe so you can watch our weekly interviews – and occasional bonus episodes.

**********

Join Our Community

Join the Gel Print Enthusiasts group on Facebook to talk about gel printing and the podcast.

**********

Support the Show

If you’re enjoying Beyond the Brayer, please consider buying me a “cup of coffee.” All coffee fees go toward upgrading either equipment or software.

We’d also appreciate a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podchaser.com.

**********

Reach Out:

Resources Mentioned:

Art Whisperer 88

Elizabeth St. Hilaire

Medical Exam Paper

Transparency Video

Gel Printers Summit

Oyster Series

Salsa Series

Composition Video

Jackie Bernardi’s Personal Links:

Website

YouTube

Confident Creative Collective

Chapters:

00:00 Rediscovering Art: A Journey Back to Creativity

02:35 The Magic of Gel Printing: Techniques and Styles

05:24 The Process Over Product Philosophy

08:16 Exploring Transparency in Art

11:25 Community and Collaboration in Creativity

32:07 Building a Creative Community

36:13 The Impact of YouTube on Artistic Growth

40:20 Excitement for Upcoming Workshops

47:30 Artistic Exploration and Future Projects

53:51 Advice for Aspiring Gel Printers

Takeaways:

  • Jackie Bernardi rediscovered her love for art after years away.
  • Her approach focuses on the joy of the creative process rather than the final product.
  • Gel printing allows for experimentation and unexpected results.
  • Transparency in art can create unique layering effects.
  • Building a community of artists fosters inspiration and support.
  • YouTube has been a platform for sharing techniques and connecting with others.
  • Artistic growth comes from embracing the process and letting go of perfectionism.
  • Jackie encourages artists to keep experimenting and pushing through challenges.
  • The importance of sharing art and experiences within a community.
  • Future projects include possibly finishing the large oyster collage she started last winter and inclusion in the upcoming Gel Print Summit.

If you enjoyed this episode, We’d appreciate a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podchaser.com. This helps other people find the podcast. If you’re into gel printing, please join the Gel Print Enthusiasts group on Facebook. If you’re not on Facebook, follow Beyond the Brayer on Instagram for podcast news and more!

Some links may be affiliate links. For those links, I receive a small commision, at no additional cost to you.

You May Also Like…