Check Out Brian Berman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Berman.

Hi Brian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my sculpting as a creative summer project with my teenage son. I had just gone through 3.5 years of litigation, where I lost my million-dollar business in a failed partnership. My stone carving was the beginning of an amazing healing journey from grief and loss to awakening the artist and teacher within me. I refer to my sculptures as “Art for Peace”, and one of my sculptures became the inspiration for Ojai becoming an International City of Peace in 2014. I am currently mentoring other peace builders to have their city become International Cities of Peace.

I primarily show my sculptures in regional shows, online with Saatchi Art, and our home gallery and sculpture garden. I open my home gallery by appointment and welcome individuals, families, and art groups to schedule a visit.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I always enjoyed working with tools, and when I began my sculpting stone as a subtractive medium during a time of grief, I was removing that which was not the final sculpture. This was a metaphor for my healing journey. I was letting go of my sadness and conditioning to reveal aspects of my essence where creativity naturally occurs.

The next challenge was how to continue my sculpting and the healing journey that accompanied each creation and create a livelihood. This was a huge challenge as I carried a large debt from the failed partnership and legal expenses. I house sat, I did caretaking, and trades that continually had me moving from place to place.

Then I bought a manufactured home on the property of a man who lived alone in his 80’s. I built a studio, and taught classes and created a following. I was shocked when I was told that he sold the property and I had to move. This was a huge challenge that took me months to find my next home/studio and move 100,00 pounds of stone off the land.

Soon after my move, 9/11 happened and I began to gather my friends to learn how to listen to each other with compassion. This led to a request that I co-facilitate a Jewish German Reconciliation Project in Germany. I had no funding but knew that this would be an important part of my healing journey. I wrote my patrons and friends and asked for support. I received enough funding and experienced a deep reconciliation. My heart melted when I heard the suffering family stories of each participant. After the ten-day project, I was invited to Berlin where I fell in love with Lisa, a German Naturopath, and we married a year later, facing all the obstacles and challenges of immigration and us living together in the US. We are now together 19 years.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known as a peace builder and an Artist for Peace. My sculptures have found patrons in Europe and North America. I was selected by the Societe Nationale Des Beaux-Arts to represent the United States for an international exhibition in the Louvre, Paris. I exhibited my Genesis Glass, a sculpture representing reconciliation and peace.

My HOLOS design which symbolizes our One Humanity has sold to residents in countries all over the world. It is a unifying symbol and I first carved it in marble, then 3D metal printing in wearable art and small sculptures. I have also cast this design in glass. Everyone that sees this design loves the elegant unitive design.

There hasn’t been a symbol that represents all humanity, and my HOLOS design does that. This sculpture has been recognized by a notable physicist as modeling the creative pattern of our universe. The sculpture doesn’t need words to explain what it represents to people. I hope to share it widely around the world for Peace, Love and Unity.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My computer is one of my great resource tools I use. I work in Photoshop as a main tool. I use Google Drive and Dropbox to share files with vendors and patrons. I have many websites that I maintain through WordPress. I’m still learning CAD design which is an ongoing challenge, as I’m a self-taught artist. I love the YouTube University. I watch and learn every day on how-to videos. I have two new machines which I am learning to use, one is the Glowforge laser printer/engraver/cutter and the Silhouette Cameo, both are 2D and require me to learn new software apps.

I don’t take the time to read books these days. My sculpture inspirations come from the depths of my subconscious where archetypes are brewed. Artists that have influenced me are Noguchi, Brancusi, Goldsworthy, Lebinsky and Brichtova(Czech Glass Pioneers).

Most nights, I am attending online inspirational conferences and peace-building groups which is my inspiration and passion.

Contact Info:

• Email: Brian@bermansculpture.com, Brian@HOLOSamulets.com
• Website: BermanSculpture.com, HOLOSamulets.com
• Instagram: 4HOLOS, BermanSculpture
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bermansculpture/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoXA1hxVS0WPa7v85fFMV3L0n-Sr9i42w

Image Credits:
Brian Berman, Lisa Berman