Artist Transforms Driftwood Into Fantastical Sculptures That Resemble The Spirits Of Nature

Debra Bernier, a talented artist, comes from Victoria, Canada. She makes captivating sculptures out of natural materials like driftwood, clay, and shells. As people and natural materials meld together, these complex artworks depict the spirits of nature. "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," she said in an interview with Bored Panda. "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."
Below are her most remarkable works of art we have collected. Take a minute to scroll down and check them out now. And don't forget to upvote your favorites.

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Driftwood spirit sculptures

Source: Debra Bernier

Her passion for the holiest things in the world—children, animals, and nature. The artist claims that the completed sculptures represent not just her life, her family, and her children, but also an eternal, spiritual connection we all have with nature.

Source: Debra Bernier

“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.”

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Debra loved the ocean and the outdoors as she was a little child. And she is still grateful for the opportunity to express her passion for both with others via her work. "The little girl in me is still fascinated by the shapes in wood, the sun sparkling on the water, smooth, grey stones, and salty seaweed. Simplicity brings me more happiness than complexity. I hope to share this with others."

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Source: Debra Bernier

Nature is part of our life. We are a part of everything since we sprang from a seed and the ground, but we are quickly losing the perception that we are animals much like the rest. Is it possible to feel something when you gaze at, appreciate, and hear a tree? Can you pay attention to the tiny weed, the creeper climbing the wall, the light on the leaves, and the numerous shadows? All of this must be understood, and one must have a feeling of connectedness with the natural world around them. Despite living in a town, there are still a few trees here and there. Even though the flower in the next garden may be neglected and overrun with weeds, when you gaze at it, you will still feel connected to everything else and all living things. You harm yourself if you harm the environment.
Nature is part of our life. We sprang from a seed, the ground, and we are part of all that, but we are rapidly losing the perception that we are animals like the others. Can you feel for a tree, look at it, see its beauty, and listen to the sound it makes? Can you be sensitive to the little plant, a little weed, to that creeper climbing the wall, the light on the leaves, and the shadows?
You may live in a town, there are still trees here and there. A flower in the next garden may be ill-kept and crowded with weeds, but look at it, feel that you are part of all that, part of all living things. If you hurt nature, you are hurting yourself.