In Victoria, Canada, artist Debra Bernier finds inspiration in the natural world around her, crafting whimsical sculptures that tell enchanting stories. Using materials such as clay, shells, and driftwood, she transforms these organic elements into captivating works of art. By merging human forms with nature, her sculptures embody the spirits of the natural world.
Debra explains that when she works with driftwood, she does not start with a blank canvas. Each piece of driftwood is already a sculpture, shaped by the gentle touch of waves and wind. She sees the wood as a storyteller, and as she holds it in her hand, she considers its unique journey. With careful manipulation, she accentuates the existing curves and contours, transforming them into familiar shapes resembling animals or human faces.
Debra’s artistic creations encompass more than just wood, as she frequently integrates elements such as seashells, clay, rocks, and various discovered objects to enhance her sculptures.
With a deep appreciation for nature, children, and animals, she holds a profound reverence for three of life’s most cherished treasures. Using her artistic prowess, she skillfully crafts enchanting sculptures utilizing organic sources such as clay, shells, and driftwood. These intricate masterpieces serve as a portrayal of the inherent harmony between humanity and the natural world, capturing the essence of nature’s spirits in a remarkable fusion of elements.
By incorporating shells into her artwork, Bernier cleverly taps into their symbolic significance as a representation of fertility across various cultures. Inspired by ancient stone Venus figurines, she skillfully reinterprets these talismans in a modern context, resulting in captivating photographs that evoke a sense of serene contemplation.
Since she was a young child, Debra has always had a deep affection for the ocean and the great outdoors. Even now, she feels immense gratitude for the chance to share her enthusiasm for these wonders through her profession. The inner child within her remains captivated by the enchanting forms found in wood, the mesmerizing glimmers of sunlight on water, the velvety touch of smooth grey stones, and the briny allure of seaweed. It is the simple things in life that bring her the most joy, and she aspires to spread this sense of happiness and simplicity to those around her.
Nature plays a vital role in our existence. Like a tiny seed sprouting from the ground, we are intricately connected to everything around us. Unfortunately, we seem to be gradually distancing ourselves from the understanding that we are simply another species of animals. Take a moment to truly connect with nature – can you truly appreciate the magnificence of a tree, gaze upon its captivating beauty, and attune your ears to the melody it creates? Are you able to fully appreciate the minuscule weed, observe the creeper gracefully scaling the wall, and revel in the dance of shadows and light on the leaves?
Even residing in a small locality, traces of nature can be found in the form of scattered trees. Despite the untended state and entanglement of weeds that might engulf the neighboring garden’s flower, a simple glance at it brings forth a sense of interconnectedness with all the elements present and all living beings. It is essential to recognize that causing harm to nature equates to causing harm to oneself.