About Me
I’m Bernie, and my creativity comes from the depths of my unconscious, and making paintings is something I feel strongly pushed to do.
I was born in London, UK, in 1969, but have spent much of my life living abroad. These experiences gave me insight into both the positives and challenges of life in developed and developing nations.
In the UK, I feel a unique positive energy I haven’t experienced anywhere else. It’s an inspiring place for creativity.
I paint until the work radiates energy — something you don’t just see, but feel. As Paul Klee said: “One eye sees, the other feels.” I paint for that second eye. My work is the voice of my deeper self, where feelings I don’t fully understand begin to rise. With each layer, something hidden comes to light — the unknown.
A painting is only finished when, after living with it for weeks, it still feels right — balanced, complete, true, and holding its power.
Me and Paints
I developed my foundational painting skills through private lessons, but creativity cannot be taught — it must come from within, from the depths of the unconscious mind.
I find inspiration only within myself, not from nature, music, or other external sources. Emotions are my strongest source of inspiration, shaping my work through both the conscious and subconscious.
I paint in absolute silence.
Why do I paint?
I create paintings as a form of therapy — each piece feels like a session, allowing me to express emotions that are difficult to put into words.
When I paint, I feel deeply connected to my inner self, as if each layer rises from the depths of my subconscious, unearthing memories, emotions, and quiet truths I wasn’t even aware of.
I share a deep bond with every piece I create. Each one feels like a part of my story, and letting them go isn’t always easy.
How do I paint?
I use acrylic paints on linen with a matt finish, stretched over an aluminium stretcher bar.
I work with the painting flat on a workbench, giving me full control over the paint and the freedom to move it as I work.
I rarely use a paintbrush. Instead, I use screen-printing squeegees, silicone tools, plastering tools, and painting knives to build layers and add depth.
My process is a cycle of layering and removal — building up depth, then scraping it away. At times, I carve into the surface with destructive intensity, allowing the painting to emerge through its own undoing.
Why Are My Paintings Untitled?
I believe abstract paintings shouldn’t have names, because titles can mislead the viewer.
A name may limit interpretation and even weaken the artwork’s impact.
Instead, I use numbers only for identification:
Number 2119
= Year 2021, Painting 19
What I do not do
I do not sell prints — I’ve never liked the idea of turning an original painting into prints.
I do not accept commissions, because it’s important for me to maintain my creative freedom throughout the painting process.
I work exclusively in large square formats — rectangles have never felt right to me.
