MFA Portfolio Submission: EASP MFA at UC Santa Cruz
Applicant: P. Michael Bertoni
“Worlds divide, Images Unite”
(Otto Neurath’s Motto — OIO Publishers, Rotterdam 2010. Gerd Arntz Graphic Designer. p.20) Illustration by Michael Bertoni
I am privileged to submit this portfolio for consideration as part of my application to the Environmental Art and Social Practice MFA Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This portfolio encompasses a diverse range of work, including both traditional fine art and innovative digital creative solutions. Kindly scroll down to view the complete portfolio.
For a more detailed examination, please click or tap on any image to enlarge it.
Mi casa su casa
I witnessed this scene after a bike ride in UCSC. This event moved me and inspired me to create this piece of art and submit my application to the MFA EASP program. My artwork focus also changed to aim more for Environmental Art and Social Practice. As an artist, designer and illustrator, I have a gift to be able to help spread the word through visual art and interactive media.
Postcard reproduction for giveaway (8.5” x 5.5”)
2024
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Acrylic on Bristol Board
6” x 12”
i am the baboon
This is a collection of Ethiopian folklore that’s been passed down through generations, and now it’s brought to life in this beautiful, illustrated edition. The stories are full of life lessons and vivid imagery, and they’re available in both print and e-book formats.
2020
Michael Bertoni
Abraham Ketema
Santa Cruz, CA
Children’s Book, Not Published
8.5” x 11” (22-pages)
iphone audio recording app
I possess the expertise to design and collaborate effectively with software engineers, creating wireframes that translate into comprehensive software solutions. Specifically, I am passionate about developing platforms that document the immigration stories of families, preserving their histories for future generations to understand and appreciate.
2024
Michael Bertoni
Sunnyvale, CA
iOS App for Apple Inc.
All iPhone Screen Sizes
caught in between
My deep concern for endangered species has driven the creation of this piece, serving as a symbolic reminder of the habitats crucial to their survival, which are increasingly being destroyed, altered, or poisoned. In this illustration, the Spotted Owls of Oregon are caught in the crossfire of urban expansion and the relentless exploitation of natural resources. Their once-thriving forest home is now being cleared, threatening their ability to find food and shelter, leaving them trapped between the ever-encroaching city and the diminishing wilderness they rely on.
Photo: Bertoni
Photo: Bertoni
2019
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Digital Illustration
12” x 8”
compassion for all involved
Submitted in the 2024 12x12x12 Art Show for the Annual Cabrillo Gallery Fundraiser. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in November 2024, I was inspired by our local community’s public outreach from Monarch Services in Watsonville, CA.
2024
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Acrylic on Canvas, Tape
12” x 12”
Digital Concept Design
12x12x12 Cabrillo Gallery Show
We are love
In response to the federal government’s immigration policies, I created and distributed 20 custom-designed labels, each featuring acrylic paint artwork, during my travels through mainland Mexico. This act of giving was my way of offering a message of solidarity and love to the people I met along the way. By sharing these hand-crafted pieces, I sought to bridge cultural divides and express my commitment to fostering connection, empathy, and mutual respect. As an American, my efforts were met with warmth and appreciation, with many expressing gratitude for the personal, artistic gesture that spoke to a deeper, more human bond beyond political discourse.
Concept Sketch
2019
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Acrylic on Label Material, Thermal Print
4” x 7”
don’t toss the needle
In response to a meeting at my local community center regarding the excessive amounts of improperly disclosed needles given out by our local county hospital. With good intentions, the hardworking county workers were trying to find solutions for the needle exchange program.
2015
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Digital Illustration, Digital Prints (Qty: 1,000 donated by an Instagram follower that owns a solar powered printing press in Santa Cruz, CA)
9” x 12”
Photo: Bertoni
Concept Sketch
Opioid Death
Being affected by current news and past tragedies of this timeless opioid epidemic, now turning towards fentanyl. Life choices are made and results are apparent within the city borders of Santa Cruz.
2008
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Charcoal on Illustration Board
14” x 14”
Photo: Bertoni
Photo: Bertoni
Is There justice?
Published editorial illustration for DRUM! Magazine featuring the challenges of being a woman in the music industry, especially as a drummer. This topic was close to my heart as I grew up playing drums with female musicians and felt their struggle.
2002
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Digital Illustration, Black and White
8.5” x 11”
Concept Sketch
NATIVE LANDS
Traveling through New Mexico and Arizona this last year opened my eyes to the natural resources that are being taken away from the Native people of these areas. How will this affect the local people and wild animals?
2024
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Digital Design & Illustration including scanned elements of Acrylic on Paper, Pencil Drawing, Ink Market
12” x 9”
Concept Sketch
sammy the surfing salamander
As a part of the Endangered Species of Santa Cruz Art Series that I have created, I want to bring attention to these wild animals in a friendly, fun and whimsical way to attract the attention of children and adolescents.
2024
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Digital Design & Illustration
14” x 14”
Logo for Endangered Species of SC Art Series created by Michael Bertoni
Concept Sketch
stewards of soquel forest WEBSITE
As an avid mountain biker, I leveraged my skills in web design to support and amplify their efforts in promoting education, demonstration, research, and recreation within the mountain biking community. This collaboration also included a valuable partnership with CalFire, further strengthening the initiative's commitment to environmental stewardship and public safety. Through this project, I sought to create an engaging digital presence that could effectively communicate the importance of these efforts while fostering a deeper connection between riders, educators, and environmental organizations.
2017
Michael Bertoni
Santa Cruz, CA
Web Design, Web Development
1920 x 1080 pixels
CALFIRE logo property of CDFFP
santa Cruz mission public outreaCH Video
As a part of my Cabrillo College Digital Media Skills Certificate for Motion Graphics, in parallel with Web Design and Web Development professional skill certifications, I felt compelled to show my appreciation for local history and the California State Parks.
2011
Michael Bertoni
Aptos, CA
Video Editing, Video Footage, Art Direction, Graphic Design
SD Format
Sound Track: Mozart Requiem Full D-Minor
Interview with Ranger Julie Wieldera
Thank you for viewing!
Artists can make change happen.
As artists we have the ability to offer our skills to change policy, create inspiration and begin the healing process.
— Michael Bertoni
Photo: Bertoni, 2018