Bernadette Goetz is a self-taught artist from the Lehigh Valley who creates vibrant, surrealistic artwork that reflects her vision of an ideal world. Goetz's creative journey was profoundly influenced by a trip to Colorado in 2016, an experience that has continued to inspire her work. Her paintings are characterized by their vivid colors and imaginative elements, capturing both dreamlike and natural themes. Since relocating to Lancaster in 2022, she has embraced the local art community, further enriching her artistic practice with realistic elements drawn from nature.

“I started painting when I was really young. I used to craft with whatever materials I had at my fingertips and was so excited when my parents gifted me my first acrylic paint set. Nature has always been my muse and helped me developed my artistic style in high school!”

EW: If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

BG: Time manipulation. I would do anything to be able to stop or slow down time.

“Get up and move your body! Whether it's just shaking it out, stretching, going on a walk around the neighborhood, or.. going on a nature walk (I think this one works the best). Listen to your favorite music, I think upbeat music usually helps me the most. Don't be afraid to mess up.. perfectionism usually has me in a chokehold. When I remove the thought that the piece I'm making has to be perfect enough to sell, I allow myself to just create. Warm up's, rough sketches, and doodles are your friend during creative blocks.”

“Of course! I absolutely believe there is life besides us out in space. I just don't think they're anything like we expect them to be or how they're depicted in movies.”

“I love to listen to upbeat electronic music when I paint. It helps keep me moving and motivated and is usually when I put out my best work. I do also find myself listening to whatever music best reflects how I'm feeling or the mood of the piece I'm creating.”

“I choose whichever colors call to me at whatever time of my life I am at. Usually there are themes to the series of paintings I release together. Honestly, I am always using up supplies that I have so I almost always use a featured color until it's gone.”

“My own perfect world would be filled with mountains and community. Surrounded by nature and people I love, everyone trading and sharing their gifts with one another.” 

“River/Lake life for sure! I want to be surrounded by the trees, hike around and Kayak on the water.”