Glynn Berland harmonises Bauhaus and music to create his artwork

03 Jul 2024

Glynn Berland is an artist who has carved a unique niche in the world of contemporary art, blending his passion for music and Bauhaus-inspired designs with a commitment to sustainability. By using bold Resene colours and incorporating recycled materials such as old vinyl records and recycled wood, Glynn's work is not only visually striking but also environmentally conscious. 

"I have a real passion for music,” Glynn says. “It heals my soul and continues to inspire me.” This love for music is evident in his current series, where he cuts recycled vinyl records and painted wood, gluing the pieces onto glass to form intricate images. Each piece is then finished with a frame, creating a harmonious blend of art and function. 

Glynn draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, a design school active from 1919 to 1933 known for its integration of art, craft and technology. Bauhaus design is typically characterised by abstract, angular and geometric shapes with minimal ornamentation, a style that resonates deeply in Glynn's creations. 

Bauhaus v21 & v15 (540x440mm) painted in Resene Resolution Blue with a heavy orange paper. This, along withGlynn’s other works, are made from recycled vinyl records and painted wood, glued to glass and framed. 

The artist’s journey into the art world was reignited by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I lost my job due to the pandemic,” he says. “However, I saw it as an opportunity to reignite my passion for art.” Having studied at the Dunedin School of Art from 2000 to 2003, Glynn found new opportunities with the advancements in technology such as CNC and laser machines. These tools have become more accessible and affordable, allowing him to bring his innovative designs to life. 

With an artistic vision deeply rooted in his 1980s childhood in Dunedin, his nostalgia fuels his creativity, driving him to produce pieces that evoke the spirit of that era. "I've always been passionate about simple geometric shapes and music, which now inspire all my artwork," he says.  

Artist Glynn Berland with his David Bowie design. This wonderful piece is painted in Resene Monza and Resene Resolution Blue. 

Glynn’sJim Morrison Montage (650x440mm) painted in Resene Monza, Resene Resolution Blue, Resene Tree Frog and Resene Tangerine. 

Glynn’s process begins with digital designs, which are then translated into code for CNC or laser cutting. After cutting, he assembles the pieces like a puzzle, gluing them to glass and framing them to create a unique visual effect. The shadows cast by these pieces on the white linen paper behind the glass add depth and dimension to his work. 

As his full-time job, Glynn is committed to perfecting his craft and continuously learning from each project. "I enjoy all of my projects. They don't always turn out perfect, but they are always about the process," he says. His dedication to improvement and innovation is evident in every piece he creates. 

Bauhaus v19 & v11 (540x440mm) by Glynn painted in Resene Turtle Green, Resene Saratoga, Resene Pacifica and Resene Citron. 

Glynn's choice of Resene paints plays a crucial role in bringing his artwork to life. "I love that Resene offers testpots,” he says. “I buy lots of these at one time, they are just enough to do one piece of artwork.” The convenience and variety of Resene's colour swatches also allow him to find the perfect hues for his creations. His favourite colours, reminiscent of the 1980s, include Resene Tree Frog, Resene Turbo and Resene Irresistible, which evoke the vibrant ‘Max Headroom’ vibe. 

A commitment to sustainability extends beyond Glynn’s choice of materials. He repurposes old records into coasters, bowls and unique designs, and recycles album covers for packaging. Additionally, he creates guitar picks from leftover scraps, often giving them away at markets.  

Bauhaus v17 & v20 (540x440mm) painted by Glynnin Resene Colour Me Pink, Resene Irresistible, Resene Smitten and Resene Shocking. 

Glynn is not only focused on his own artistic vision but also offers custom pieces, inviting others to share their dreams and ideas. This openness to collaboration and customisation sets him apart, making his art accessible and personal for his audience. 

"If you can dream it, I can bring it to life" - Glynn. 

Contact Glynn about getting your own custom piece and see more of his work online. 

Published: 03 Jul 2024