Unlike traditional sculpture, which often begins with a block of raw material that is gradually shaped into a predetermined form, Bernier's process is largely intuitive. Each piece starts with a search through beaches and forests for materials that already contain the suggestion of a figure or emotion. "As I work with the natural shapes and textures of the materials, faces and forms reveal themselves as if they have always been present within the wood or shell," the artist explained in the interview with Bored Panda. This collaborative relationship between artist and material is central to her practice, allowing the natural history of each object to remain visible within the finished work.
Living on Vancouver Island has also played a significant role in shaping Bernier's artistic vision. Surrounded by temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and centuries-old trees, she draws constant inspiration from the environment around her. Themes of healing, connection, resilience, and the feminine spirit appear throughout her sculptures, reflecting her belief that nature carries both memory and meaning. "Nature feels alive and full of memory to me," Bernier said. Through her work, she invites viewers to look more closely at the natural world and consider what stories might be hidden within it.
Scroll down to explore some of her latest sculptures, where driftwood, shells, and imagination come together in remarkable ways.
