Bernice Deakins
I've been an artist as long as I can remember. I was formally trained in Ontario, Canada at Mohawk College as a Commercial Artist. I came to the States in 1984 when I married my husband Jim. I've worked as an artist in a number different jobs including printing both offset and textile. I've owned my own business and traveled around the States as a Textile Stylist. I've been involved in several art organizations over the years. At present I'm the Chair of the Volunteer Committee for The Art Council of Kanawha Valley. I enjoy meeting new people, I am inspired by them.
As an artist I create in many forms and mediums. In recent years I've started creating gourd dolls. It allows the child within me to come out and play. I draw my inspiration for each doll from a menagerie of diverse ideas that flow around in my head and found objects. My most productive moments are the wee hours of the morning before the world wakes. I love to bring to life those odd little creatures that come out of the dawn. I enjoy working serendipitously, creating without intention. I never really knew where I'm going and don't care.
