From berniecarreno.com:

Artist Statement
My work focuses on the transformation of inner and outer worlds into near-minimalist forms. Since I believe that form is an effective tool to communicate complex ideas with power and clarity, I consistently try to direct the viewer’s attention away from the outward surface and toward the inner truth of the form. Tangible things such as landscapes, dancers and lovers are sources for much of my work, but I also choose personal relationships, social/political issues or emotional states as subjects.

Although my work is often inspired by the natural world, I avoid using a strictly organic approach in the process of creating the artwork. I select industrial materials and processes that are themselves devoid of any natural or emotional properties. In doing this, I strive to ensure that the subject is reduced to pure form.

I use vivid colors in some of the work to let the viewer distinguish the sculpture from its background. For me, color serves to support the mood of a particular piece, not as the central element in the creation of meaning. In work that deals with internal or subjective issues, I usually give the metal a natural or minimally enhanced surface to allow the form to influence mood.