Artist Creates Ocean Treasures from the Sea's Materials
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Debra Bernier creates amazing sculptures using shells, clay, and driftwood collected from the beach.
She ascribes meaning to materials that are often overlooked. The Canadian artist retells fairy stories or inspiring, ethereal works in her collection "Shaping Spirit."
"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. The wood tells a story and I try to think of its journey as I hold it in my hand. I extend or shorten the curves and contours that already exist into familiar shapes of animals or peoples' faces."
Bernie's work recalls ancient storytelling and seeks to transport viewers into the mystical. Her pieces almost imply that you can converse with nature simply by listening.
Debra Bernier says that; "The finished pieces are a reflection of not only my life, my family, and children, but of an eternal, sacred connection we all share with nature."
She grew up in Victoria and said she's always been in touch with nature. She collected shells and driftwood shaped by the ocean, and she started to use those amazing materials to create her sculptures.
"The little girl in me is still fascinated by the shapes in wood, the sun sparkling on the water, smooth, gray stones, and salty seaweed. Simplicity brings me more happiness than complexity. I hope to share this with others."
Bernier tells the forgotten stories of fairies and mermaids long forgotten by modern culture. She also uses clay to bond and shape her ocean materials.
She also made a calendar for 2017 with her 12 favorite works.The calendar is printed on high-quality stock to let people frame the pictures even when the year has ended.
"I am connected by the sacred nature of time. Since having my children, I have thought a lot about the changes we grow into as we age. Life is precious and beautiful..."
If you're interested in her works, you can visit her website, Etsy or Facebook pages and have your own 'shaped spirits.'
Via: Boredpanda
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