Crevice is a solo exhibition at Woods + Dangaran in Los Angeles that explores the intersection of, and constant equilibrium between natural and human-built systems. What was originally a natural system, then adapted to human needs, becomes something entirely new: a collaboration, a distinct ecotype created through the dialogue between humans and their environment. A push and pull, like tides. Throughout, Trainor remains curious about the possibilities: the adaptive way we create new evolutionary systems through resilience and opportunism.
The paintings in this series are an attempt to understand the pattern language when humans intersect with their environment and to heighten awareness of the opportunities that lie in the spaces in between. With textures and a color palette that allude to life in a dry climate, Trainor’s paintings evoke an appreciation of struggle in the natural world, a beauty in resilience, and the unexpected patterns emerging within this overlay.
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Bernard typically paints in a range of series that represent an exploration of different thoughts, concerns, concepts, and aesthetic ideals. Each series is ongoing, as Bernard dives deeper into its theme and his process.
With the spirit of appreciation and curiosity, and working in any medium that will express his viewpoint, his approach is to interpret and abstractly represent layers of memories and interactions with landscapes where he has lived for the past 50 years. These interactions can be personal, overwhelming, lasting, fleeting, fulfilling, and above all else, humbling
“I have discovered my favorite art, architecture and landscapes are deeply connected to the place from which they have grown.
This is my inspiration, Regional context informing art and design.
Rather than any futile attempts at replicating what I have seen, my abstract art is based on layers of memory, instinctively unearthing pattern, texture, and form.
My intention is to explore my art in this way, searching for clarity and expressing what is absolutely essential.”
At the heart of my art and design, I am exploring the nuanced intersections where nature and human collaboration converge.
I am interested in exploring the overlapping patterns that emerge here.
Mickey Meunnig Architect, 1974 —— Bernard Trainor Steward, 2023
Mickey Muennig was a pioneer of California’s organic architecture movement, and became known as the “man who built Big Sur”. From the early 1970s, he amassed a portfolio of striking houses with unconventional forms that frame scenic views and blend in with the landscape using mostly timber, stone, and glass. Many of his works have been described as "magical", "creative", or "visionary". Owl House is no different.
Bernard Trainor took ownership of Owl House in early 2023 and has been working to protect and restore Meunnig’s original design intent. This includes stabilizing, waterproofing, and protecting the materials, while otherwise leaving it as is. Behind every design and materials decision, the mantra remains, “What would Mickey have done today?”. His spirit remains intact first and foremost.
Owl House provided Trainor with spaces for painting, sculpture and installation work, in addition to his design interventions with landscape, architecture, and interiors - A broad range of elements connecting to his seamless creative life.
In addition, Bernard invited Leslie Williamson to photograph the house and garden throughout the entire process. Her images explore artists houses and studio’s, revealing her unique point of view in what she sees and feels in a space.
More recently, the property was purchased by a wonderful family who have a deep respect for the history of this architecture - Bernard continues with his Art + Design project here, by managing and shaping the Garden he designed and planted surrounding Owl House.
He will also continue a series of paintings and sculpture that continue to be inspired by this ongoing art and design project.