Page 21 - Interface February 2024

ernie van der Vyver’s artistic journey
began in the heart of Bethal,
BMpumalanga, in 1969. He grew up
on an expansive farm where, from an early
age, pencils, paper and clay became his
trusted companions. This early immersion
in the arts and in nature laid the foundation
for his career as an artist whose bronze
masterpieces would reflect the spirit of the
wild.

“Growing up on a farm in Bethal was really
special,” recalls Bernie. “Animals and nature
always surrounded me. I loved collecting
pictures of all kinds of creatures. I studied
their form and movement, and started
drawing them. This was how I first got Part 1
into art. I think that being around so much
wildlife sparked my love for nature and art.”

Bernie applied a steady hand and a creative
mind to his work. Soon, his art evolved,
going beyond those youthful sketches and
clay models. He ventured into the intricate
and complex world of bronze sculpture,
honing his skills to create hyper-realistic
representations of wild animals. He began
exhibiting his work, his obvious talent
increasingly drawing the attention of
discerning art lovers and critics.

Bernie’s sculptures are often custom-made.
Working closely with clients, he ensures
that each piece aligns with their vision and
his artistic interpretation. This collaborative
approach guarantees that each piece is a
unique fusion of the client’s desire and the
artist’s expression.

Bernie finds his muse in nature. He visits
our national parks and wildlife reserves on a
regular basis, immersing himself in the world
of his subjects. These field trips serve as his
study sessions: he uses wildlife photography
as a reference point for what he is about Bernie has certainly come full circle since his childhood days moulding clay on a Bethal
to create. His love for the natural world is farm. Now a master bronze sculptor, his journey attests to his dedication and love for
palpable in every crevice and curve of his both his craft and his surroundings.
bronze creations.
Bernie is more than an artist; he’s a storyteller. His bronze sculptures, alive with the spirit
These masterpieces have left an imprint of the African wilderness, narrate tales of beauty, survival and natural harmony. As a
on the global art scene and have shaped result, his works are sought-after both here and abroad.
people’s perceptions of wildlife.
His sculptures are exhibited in galleries and Don’t miss Part 2 in the next issue!
museums across South Africa, Europe and
the United States. They are celebrated for You can follow Bernie’s extraordinary journey and explore more of his work on his
their realistic beauty and the underlying Facebook page (click here). You can also connect and get in touch with Bernie on
message of wildlife conservation. LinkedIn (click here).

INTERFACEDigimag | February 2024 | 19