Meet John Bernhard

We were lucky to catch up with John Bernhard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have John with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

In 1978, I fulfilled a lifelong dream to explore America, backpacking through 43 states in a year. When I returned to my hometown of Geneva, Switzerland, I couldn’t shake the pull of the U.S. By 1980, I quit a good job—something unheard of in Switzerland—and immigrated to pursue the American dream. Settling in Houston during its boom, I barely spoke English but managed to survive and thrive through my art.
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic. I built my life on hard work, grit, and talent. Swiss values shaped me—steady hands, sharp focus, and a respect for doing things right. From my homeland, I carried a love for solid work, the rhythm of routine, and the precision of punctuality. It’s a simple creed, grounded in an ethic that values quality above all.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a visual artist, I like to create pictures that combine photography, painting, illustration and collages in a seamless photographic whole. I blur the distinctions between photography and paintings and enhance the relevance of camera-generated images.
In my pursuit of art, I feel like a hooligan, and the reason eludes me. It’s a peculiar sensation, akin to prowling the shadowed alleys of creativity, where every creation feels like a recklessness act. The canvas becomes my illicit playground, and I navigate its terrain with the swagger of a renegade, uncertain of the origin of this artistic rebellion, but always seeking to capture the raw essence of existence in my creations. Yet, the allure of the unknown propels me forward. I cannot explain why, but perhaps in the mystery lies the very essence of my artistic pursuit.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities stand out as the most impactful in my journey: perseverance, adaptability, and a dedication to craftsmanship.

Perseverance. This was essential. Pursuing a dream, especially in an unfamiliar environment, comes with countless obstacles—language barriers, financial instability, and self-doubt. But I never let setbacks deter me. I kept moving forward, whether it meant taking risks or doubling down on hard work.
Advice: Understand that challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to grow.

Adaptability. Immigrating to a new country, particularly one as vast and different as the U.S., required constant adaptation. From learning English to navigating a booming, fast-paced Houston and learning the Texas way of doing things. I had to embrace change and figure things out as I went.
Advice: Stay curious and open-minded. Don’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone—it’s where growth happens.

Dedication to Craftsmanship. My success as an artist was built on a foundation of Swiss values: precision, consistency, and a deep respect for doing things right. Quality became my trademark, and people recognized it in my work.
Advice: Develop a genuine passion for your craft. Hone your skills relentlessly and aim for excellence, not just adequacy.
For those starting out I say: The journey may not always be smooth, but the right mindset and a commitment to your purpose will lead you where you’re meant to go.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, my greatest personal growth came from publishing my first novel “Drift of Fate”. As a visual artist, venturing into the realm of writing was uncharted territory—a new ground to explore and immerse myself in. Writing the book took a full year, and it was truly a labor of love. I kept my head down, persevering through the process.
There were moments of frustration when the perfect phrasing eluded me, and the blank page—or the cold glow of the computer screen—seemed to mock my efforts. But I discovered there was only one cure for this maddening affliction: writing, writing, and more writing.
Completing a 270-page book was far more rewarding than I had ever imagined. It not only marked a milestone in my creative journey but also brought a profound sense of growth and fulfillment. Reinventing myself and stepping into a completely new domain proved to be an experience like no other.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images ©John Bernhard

The portrait photograph is by ©Hall Puckett

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