"I craft using traditional materials, wood, stone, water and fire to ground myself. It is known that these techniques, that have been used over hundreds of years, become somewhat embedded in our DNA. My work is a way for me to acknowledge and remember the times of my great grandmothers and great grandfathers and those before. My designs are inspired by the laws of nature and the forms found in the creation stories around me. Using these basic forms or designs, I work to represent the bond of art and the continuation of culture."

Bernard is an Umpila, Djabugay/Yirrgay man raised in Cape York Peninsula. He continues to maintain strong cultural connections to Djabugay/Yirrgay country (Cairns Region) where he is based. His practice is focused in crafting traditional hunting weapons, tools/objects and are heavily based on his fathers 30 years of work as an archaeological relics ranger. Bernard has over 15 years of experience in Cultural Tourism, travelling internationally presenting, performing, and educating and is also involved in curatorial work in Art Galleries, Exhibitions and Art Fairs in Northern Australia. More recently, he has moved into Land Management and conservation work as a cultural officer alongside Land and Sea Ranger Programs, supporting in Cultural heritage, Gallery and Museum (arts sector) and Cultural dance and practices. All of his work, even though modern or contemporary, have a foundation of traditional crafting, traditional materials or creation stories within.