Information

155 Watertrough Road

Sebastopol, CA. 95472

707.823.8915

www.bermansworld.net

k e n

BERMAN

Last Updated

December 2011

Bio-Statement:

I was born in Northern New Jersey in 1966 and received my undergraduate degree in Architecture from Lehigh University and my Masters degree in Architecture from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Building forms have always interested me and are the primary inspiration for my work. Since I was an undergraduate at Lehigh University, where I was surrounded by the Bethlehem Steel Mills, I've explored my inner ‘factory' with the goal of creating a visual language that expresses my theories of art and life.

Reproductions & Prints:

All my work is original. It represents a creative timeline that reflects many subtleties of my artistic, personal and professional development as an artist. This timeline is not only a reflection of the ideas I am working on at the time but is also a record of the personal and professional events of my life. In being true to the work, I do not make prints or copies of my work … with one exception.

I have received many inquiries from younger collectors who are interested in my work but who do not have the financial resources to purchase an original painting. Although I do not make prints or copies of my work in its original format, I have developed a limited line of original skateboard deck designs which incorporate some images of my work along with text.

If you are interested in purchasing a skateboard deck click on the Bermanboard link to the left.

Selected Past Exhibitions:

2011

The Quicksilver Mine Co., “Boxed-In Group Show”, Forestville, CA

Local Color Gallery, “Edge of Realism with JC Henderson”, Bodega Bay, CA

Graton Gallery, “Gimme Shelter with Mylette Welch, Bert Kaplan & Peggy Sebera”, Graton, CA

2010

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, “Private Eyes: Artists’ Visions”, Novato, CA

2009

The Konrad Gallery, Geyserville, CA

Smith & Kirk Fine Art & Custom Framing, Bodega Bay, CA

2008

Gallery 580, “Ancient City Exhibit”, San Francisco, CA

Hammerfriar, “Ken Berman & Monty Monty”, Healdsburg, CA

2007

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, “Biennial 2007”, Sonoma, CA

Artisans Gallery, “Mechanized Genius Exhibit”, San Rafael, CA

2006

Local Color Gallery, “Abstract Expressions Exhibit”, Bodega Bay, CA

Sebastopol Center for the Arts, “Journeys Exhibit”, Sebastopol, CA

2005

The Crocker Art Museum, “74th California Biennial”, Sacramento, CA

Plaza Arts Center, “Artist Showcase Exhibit”, Healdsburg, CA

2004

A Street Gallery, “12 Painters 12 Paintings Exhibit”, Santa Rosa, CA

Artisans Gallery, “Realism 2004 Exhibit”, Mill Valley, CA

Local Color Gallery, Bodega Bay, CA

2003

Sebastopol Center for the Arts, “Passageways Exhibit”, Sebastopol, CA

2002

Hang Gallery, Palo Alto, CA

Description of the Work:

I loosely describe my artwork as Industrial with architectonic and mechanical influences referencing Cubism, Constructivism, Dadaism and the Steampunk movement. In arranging the compositions for my paintings I combine both static and dynamic elements that allow the eye to flow around the objects simulating movement. Then, in rendering the final image, I combine a variety of textures, hints of color, glances of light and finally some smoke/steam imbuing the image with a delicate touch that transcends its underlying mechanical references.

Materials:

My primary mediums are Oil and Gesso although I have also worked with Acrylic, Egg Tempera and Alkyd. The supports I use are both canvas and panel. I tend to use a support that suits my vision best. If I am looking for an image to have a rougher surface I prefer the weave of canvas to give it more ‘tooth', and; if I am looking for a smoother surface like that of a chalkboard, I prefer to use panels made of either hardboard or masonite.

Awards & Honors:

National Competition & First National Publication of work in a magazine.

Studio Visit Magazine - 2nd Edition

Published by The Open Studios Press, Fall 2008

Nomination for the SonomaArts Award for Emerging Artists 2008

Honorable Mention. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Biennial 2007

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma, California.

Merit Award. Mechanized Genius, 2007

Artisans Gallery, San Rafael, California.

California Biennial. Crocker-Kingsley 74th Exhibition, 2005

The Crocker Museum, Sacramento, California.

Award of Excellence. Realism 2004