Joseph Bernd

Maui-based artist residing in Kula, on the scenic slopes of Haleakalā.

Since 2015, Joseph has honed his craft in ground metal artwork, creating in his Kula studio where he manipulates metal into breathtaking pieces that play with light in dynamic ways.

Joseph's art is a study in the manipulation of light, using metal as a medium to achieve stunning depth, contrast, and movement. Through the process of burnishing and working the metal, he "bends light" to enhance his subjects, creating an interplay of illumination that draws viewers into the heart of his work.

Joseph's passion for art began at a young age, with early apprenticeships under two California-based artists during high school. These mentors introduced him to the traditional disciplines of oil painting and bronze sculpture, laying a strong foundation for his artistic development. At 18, Joseph fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Maui, where his creativity found new avenues. He secured an apprenticeship as a goldsmith, working in lost wax casting for several renowned Maui jewelers.

Always seeking new creative challenges, Joseph later delved into luxury marble and granite mosaics, crafting intricate designs for swimming pools and jacuzzis. After starting a family, he moved to Switzerland, where he continued to explore his artistry through mixed media, producing bio-mechanical representations of Hawaiian sea life.

In 2015, Joseph returned to Maui with his family, feeling a renewed inspiration to explore the possibilities of ground metal artwork. He established a dedicated metal shop in Kula, where he has since been pushing the boundaries of this unique, dimensional art form.