About
Bernadette was a ships captain for many years in California. Today her affinity with the Ocean is reflected in her ceramic vessels, photography and glass work which emulates and celebrates County Cork seascapes discovered while kayaking along the local Atlantic coastline.
Education
Ceramic Department Resident Artist • Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork • 09/18 to 06/ 2019
B.A (Hons) Contemporary Applied Art, Ceramics, Glass & Textiles • Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork, Ireland · 06 / 2018
Kiln Cast Glass Sculpture · Shanghai University of Fine Art, Shanghai, China · 05 / 2017
B.A Pottery Skills & Design Course · Design & Crafts Council of Ireland & National University of Ireland, Thomastown Co. Kilkenny, Ireland · 09 / 2014
Ceramic, Ceramic Sculpture, Design, Art History · City College of San Francisco, Fort Mason Campus, San Francisco · 2000 / 2011
Artists Statement
Through my explorations by sea into places accessible only by kayak I venture into hidden, undervalued and undeniably beautiful places. My explorations have led me to question our relationship with the landscape and our role in responsible stewardship of our coastal surroundings. Although the coastline appears rugged, an impervious protective bulwark against the Atlantic and the elements, it is vulnerable to human impact. This vulnerability is expressed in the use of stressed clay in my work and by balancing the ceramic sculptures on small bases.
I carefully manipulate found coastal materials, sand etc. into the individual pieces. Drift wood and other found items become integrated into the work by using them to mark make, impress and score the clay. This creates a visible narrative from these inaccessible coastal places to the gallery viewing public, an opportunity to reconnect with nature. My form of storytelling gives a tangible sculptural expression to the creative and erosive dialog of these Littoral zones, articulating the relationship between humanity and our vulnerable landscape.
Awards
Meath County Council Arts Office · Going Solo Award 2019
Residencies
Direenacappera · Beara Peninsula, Cork Ireland · Artists Residency · April 2021
Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork, Ireland · Ceramics Residency · Sept 2018 - June 2019
Shanghai University of Fine Art, Shanghai China · Kiln Cast Glass Study Exchange · March 2017 - May 2017
Master Class
2014 · Master Class Lisa Hammond · Two day Workshop - Demonstration Lecture D.C.C.I. Thomastown, Ireland
2013 · Master Class Walter Keeler · Two day Workshop - Demonstration-Lecture D.C.C.I. Thomastown, Ireland
2012 · Master Class Ken Eastman · One day Workshop · Lecture University Limerick, Ireland
2012 · Master Class David Frith · Three day Workshop · D.C.C.I. Thomastown, Ireland
2012 · Ceramics Ireland Raku Workshop · One day Workshop · D.C.C.I. Thomastown, Ireland
U.S.A.
2004 · Molly Prior · Pit Fire Workshop · One day Workshop · Dillion Beach, Tomales, California, U.S.A.
2002 · Master Class Josh De Weese · One day Workshop · C.C.S.F. Fort Mason Campus, San Francisco California, U.S.A.