Bernadette McCormack
Duncan, BC
Born in Alberta, Canada in 1964 to Spanish/Filipino immigrants, Bernadette McCormack has led a culturally diverse life. At nine years of age her family moved to Holland for three years where they had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. This began a love for travel in Bernadette that has led her to many places in the world, as well as to experience teaching opportunities in Mexico and Santo Domingo, two strong influences in Bernadette's artistic life. While traveling and teaching in Mexico in 1992, the experience of the elements, the culture and the landscape moved Bernadette to begin her painting journey and by the time she returned to Alberta a year later, Bernadette's approach to her artwork had been transformed and she was well on her way to developing the maturity that is evident in her style today.
Once again, while teaching in Santo Domingo in 2001, Bernadette found herself inspired by the Caribbean Islands and the power of the elements. Haitian folk art was prevalent on the island and through the influence of native craft, the essence of primitivism surfaces in her work today.
Bernadette returned to Alberta with her family in 2002 and settled in Calgary. She joined the Night of Artists in 2003 and was involved in NOA art shows in Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa. In 2005, she wrote, illustrated, and published her first children's book titled In the Land of Sweet Dreams (Hummingbird Studio 2005).
Bernadette currently resides in Duncan, B.C. on Vancouver Island with her husband and children She is a member of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council and is an honorary member of the Alberta based NOA Group. She shows her work regularly at the Daffodil Gallery in Edmonton, Alberta.
Bernadette's work has been chosen to participate in a variety of projects over the years. She was involved in The BC Lions Club "Eagles in the City" fundraising project in 2008/09, as well as Sarasota, Florida's "Embracing Our Differences" in 2009, The Royal Canadian Mint commissioned her to submit design ideas for collector's coins in 2012, and her work was chosen by The Calgary Stampede's "Artist Ranch Project" in 2013 and the "Western Art Auction" in 2014.
Bernadette's work is recognized by her whimsical style, bold colours, and clean black lines. Her paintings are uplifting and vibrant.
