CANADIAN ARTIST CREATES FANTASTICAL SCULPTURES TO RESEMBLE SPIRITS OF NATURE

Canadian artist, Debra Bernier, is inspired by nature to create fanciful sculptures from driftwood. She studies the shape and form of each piece as she carefully carves out or adds 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. 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 people's faces."

However, Debra's art is not only limited to wood. She often incorporates shells, clay, stones, and other objects to compliment her figures. Her sculptures are a true fusion of humanity and nature and often evoke themes of fertility and motherhood. 

With her use of shells, a symbol of fertility in many cultures, Debra creates an association with her art. As a modern-day reinterpretation of prehistoric stone Venus figurines, these talismans evoke calm contemplation, which Bernier expertly captures in beautifully framed photographs. 

"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."