Page 28 - Interface March 2024

Bernie van der Vyver’s

artistic process

ast month, we explored
the life and work of
Lartist and sculptor
Bernie van der Vyver. We
traced the origins of his
love for art and nature
which stemmed from
a childhood spent in
Bethal, Mpumalanga.
Over time, Bernie
developed a passion for
working with bronze “for its strength
and longevity”. He began using it to craft
aesthetic representations of the African
wilderness.

We delve deeper into Bernie’s artistic
process and find out what inspires and
challenges him. Q: How did the realism and detail in
Steynberg and Roos’s works affect you?
Q: What were the initial materials A: Beyond the realism, what struck me was the lasting
you used to create your artworks? nature of their art. Bronze doesn’t fade or change over
A: I used simple things like pencils, paper time. It preserves the beauty and essence of these
and clay. These materials were easy to sculptures for generations to enjoy.
use and helped me express my ideas.
Q: Is this why you choose to sculpt in
Q: How were you introduced to bronze?
bronze sculptures? A: Yes. I love the way bronze pieces
A: Everything changed when I saw the stand the test of time. Unlike drawings or
bronze sculptures of Coert Steynberg clay models, bronze sculptures don’t fade or
and Jo Roos at an exhibition in Knysna. change over time. They keep their beauty for many,
Their work was unique. They had a way many years.
of making their subjects in bronze look
incredibly real and full of life. The way Q: Why is this endurance so appealing to you?
they managed to craft such vivid, lifelike A: After seeing the enduring magnificence of Steynberg
subjects in bronze was mesmerising. and Roos’s works, I was inspired to create my own
Their works didn’t just look real; they felt bronze sculptures. I want to produce art that can
alive, almost as if their subjects could withstand the test of time so that it becomes a lasting
spring into motion at any moment. tribute to the subjects I am so passionate about.

INTERFACEDigimag | March 2024 | 26