Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Bernatz.
Patrick, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born in Santa Ana, California at a time when Orange County was changing at a hyper-rapid pace. Early on, I became fascinated by that the way that landscapes, community profiles, and the built-environment could be dramatically altered seemingly overnight. Low-rolling foothills and historic ranches were displaced in favor of housing developments that forever changed the physical profile of my home. This experience informed in me a greater understanding and keen interest in the union between land, development, and design. After studying architecture at the University of Southern California, I started my career in interior architecture and spent the next ten years creating spaces for clients such as One Hotel, Four Seasons, and Rosewood, among others. My most recent projects include the development of a re-branded Four Seasons in Greece, a cabin in rural Nevada, and a California-focused wine bar a mile down the road from my house in Los Angeles.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
For the last ten years, my bread and butter has been hospitality design. I’ve designed hotels and restaurants around the world, with an eye toward creating spaces that speak to the locale, while also being internationally accessible. Within the last few years my focus has shifted to include California homes that incorporate local materials and highlight their physical surroundings.
I’m interested in the development of a new vernacular, free of trend-driven, of -the-moment design. I’m interested in creating pieces that last and feel relevant, not just when they are created but for years to come. In today’s market, ideas and proposals are expected almost instantaneously; I value individuals that have the patience to iterate and develop their own kit of parts that defines their aesthetic message. What I want people to take away from my work is an appreciation for materials that last and spaces that speak to their locations. This, in my mind, creates value.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
My advice is to voraciously consume as many books as possible. Understanding what styles and theories came before is crucial to creating a language of your own. Mine was informed by Charles Moore’s writing’s on home, Rick Joys’ sense of the local, Brian Mackay Lyons’ exploration with building tradition, original city Sanborn maps, and extensive photo research on Los Angeles’ original dwellings. Today, it’s easy to copy and paste design without an appreciation or understanding of its inception. To me, creating something of value takes digging into the archives to help inform what you think should be next. When I was in architecture school, the design that was valued was that which fit the immediate flavor of the day. I’ve learned to be truer to my own vision. In my mind, in order to create something authentic, it must relate both to a tradition and enhanced with a technological future.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is site-specific, so pack your bags and head to London, Athens, Miami, or Los Angeles! If you’re located in Southern California, a relatively easy hop and a skip would be LA Wine, my most recently completed project in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. The design, while being utilitarian, is made for the leisurely enjoyment of great California wine. In addition, I am working on an upcoming line of furniture with artist, Nik Gelormino, which will specialize in the use of materials commonly found within Southern California.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.patrickbernatz.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @patbernatz
Image Credit:
Patrick Bernatz
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