Meet Bernadette Alcock: Visual Artist, Upcycler, Supporter of Women. She was created to create. Here’s what Bernadette is passionate about.
What is upcycling?
We live in a throw it away world. Nothing is made to last these days.
Something stops working…”Just get a new one”. Clothes get a hole, stain or fade…”Throw them out”.
A vase or clock breaks, not a thought goes into where all these things being thrown out go. Once the truck empties your bin, it’s no longer your problem, right?!
Wrong! We are filling landfills faster every year leading to a serious problem in years to come. We will run out of space and then what? Don’t worry, our children and grandchildren will take care of it, right??
Meet Bernadette
My name is Bernadette Alcock, wife, Mom, Nana, Retired Director at National Defence, Gardener, Fashion Lover and Artist. I sculpt home decor and garden pieces using many recycled objects, and have participated in many art shows and galleries.
I strongly believe that upcycling or re-purposing is a great way to not only reduce waste and carbon footprint, but can also be a lot of fun! That’s where I get excited.
Recently a client asked me to create a sculpture depicting her and her granddaughter. She provided me with an old candle holder she was no longer using and a birds nest she located on her property. I created the following composition.
Bernadette’s Upcycled Sculpture
Upcycling, repurposing, whatever you want to call it, I encourage you to take a second look at throwaway items to create something new.
I’ve created many “breast cancer” sculptures as donations at women’s events supporting women’s cancer.
Breast Cancer Sculpture
Supporting women’s cancer
When I learned that Colleen from COKANNA was searching for “unloved” fur coats to make accessory pompoms for her newest hat line, I jumped at the opportunity to donate my raccoon fur coat. My greatest passions are supporting women’s cancer and upcycling.
You see, my mother fought breast cancer and lost. She loved fashion and if a fur coat could have been available and affordable to her, she would have worn it with pride. I did it for her and now that I’m retired and no longer have the same use for it, it will be a reminder to me of her strength and courage and an honour to her.
Bernadette’s raccoon coat
Thank you Colleen for continuing to support women and for all of your great designs. I can’t wait to to own some of these special new pieces and keep advocating for women to support women.
Thank you Bernadette
Thank you, Bernadette! I’m honoured to have your raccoon coat made into pompoms in memory of your mother.
If you would like to connect with Bernadette and see her beautiful one-of-kind pieces, you can find her on Facebook at Bernadette Alcock – Sculptures.
You can pre-order one of my bamboo toques with a raccoon fur pompom here. Delivery will be in September in plenty of time before the snow flies!
Until next time,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.
