rtista Debra Bernier creates fanciful sculptures from the nature that surrounds her in Victoria, canada.
Working with driftwood, Bernier studies the shape and form of each piece, carefully carving out or adding to the natural material to form these delicate, feminine figures.
“When i work with driftwood, i never start with a blank canvas.
Each piece of driftwood is already a sculpture, created by the caresses of the waves and wind,” Debra shares.
Debra’s art is not limited to wood. She incorporates shells, clay, stones, and other found objects into her figures. Her sculptures are a true fusion of humanity and nature, evoking themes of fertility and motherhood, like nymphs sprouting in the forest andaong the seashore. The use of shells, a symbol of fertility in many cultures, helps reinforce this association.
Bernier’s talismans, a modern-day reinterpretation of prehistoric stone Venus figurines, evoke calm contemplation. Beautifully framed photographs capture this essence.
“The finished pieces reflect not only my life, family, and children, but also an eternal, sacred connection we all share with nature,” she says. Holding wood in her hand, Debra imagines its journey, extending or shortening its curves and contours into familiar shapes of animals or people’s faces, knowing that the wood tells a story. This unique approach ensures that you’ll never view a piece of driftwood the same way again!
