biography
One-Person Shows
"From There to Here: Paintings by Dennis Bertram," The Olean Public Library Gallery, Olean, NY, April 5 - May 31, 2003
"Landscapes and Figures: Paintings and Drawings by Dennis Bertram," Virginia Weiss Gallery, Empire State College, Buffalo, NY, July 27 - September 7, 2001
"A Journey: Paintings by Dennis Bertram," Carnegie Art Center, Tonawandas' Council on the Arts, Tonawanda, NY, July 17-August 7, 1999
Painting Residencies (competitive)
Jentel Artist Residency Program, Banner, Wyoming, June 15 - July 13, 2003
Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts, Ithaca, NY, July 30 - August 29, 2001
Grants
Special Opportunity Stipend, Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County/NYFA; travel support, July, 2003
Special Opportunity Stipend, ACBEC/NYFA; support for one-person show, July, 1999
Education:
Various courses at Steve Carpenter Studio, Rochester, NY; Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY;
Buffalo State Co., Buffalo, NY; Sheridan College, Oakfield, Ont., Canada; University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Selection of Awards Received
2003Best of Professional, 164th Erie County Fair and Expo, Erie County, New York
2002 Finalist in Portrait category, The Artist's Magazine's 2002 Annual Art Competition
2002First Place, Carnegie Art Center Members' Exhibition, North Tonawanda, New York
1999First Place (Oil category), Hilton Head Art League's National Juried Exhibition, Hilton Head Island, SC
1999First Place (best of show), St. Mary's School for the Deaf, Partners in Art Gallery, N. Tonawanda, NY
1999Tri-Color (best of show), 160th Erie County Fair and Expo, Erie County, New York
1998First Place (best of show), Carnegie Art Center, Members' Exhibition, North Tonawanda, New York
1998Tri-Color (best of show) and Best of Amateur, 159th Erie County Fair and Expo, Erie County, NY
artist's statement
I am interested in the major shapes in land- and cityscapes. I believe it is the major shapes that primarily determine my response to what I see. But this interest has evolved further to where I create imaginary land- and cityscapes many dominated by massive patterns of structures resembling houses, buildings and skyscrapers. These imaginary paintings allow me to express my bewilderment at the complexity of living with oneself, others, and for communities and societies at large. The process of painting these pictures in itself is a complex undertaking.
I have found that using major shapes and imaginary structures gives me a language for expressing ideas and feelings. The dominance and congestion of the structures reflects humanity's preoccupation with itself. Perspective at best is approximated in the pictures, for living is not that orderly. The gold leaf, inspired by religious iconography, is humanity's hopeful belief in an eventual redemption. Many of the small structures are autobiographical in that they are abstractions of real places that have special meaning to me.
description of each work
"I Live Here" oil on canvas
"Tower" oil on canvas 36" x 48"
"Valley" oil on canvas 48" x 36"
"World View" oil on canvas 36" x 48"
contact information
For more information about any work of art by Mr. Bertram, and to find out about commissioning new work, click the e-mail link below or call:
716.832.7928 (USA country code 01)