Page 19 - Boardwalk Meander Issue 4_2023

Bernie van der Vyver's

sculptures, echoing
the heartbeat of the

African wilderness,

are cherished in art

collections worldwide

Part 1

he genesis of Bernie van der Vyver's
artistic journey began in the heart of
TBethal in 1969. From an early age,
pencils, paper, and clay became his trusted
companions on the expansive farm where
he grew up. This early immersion in the
arts and nature laid the foundation for an
artist whose bronze masterpieces would
echo the spirit of the wild.
"Growing up on a farm in Bethal was
really special. Animals and nature
always surrounded me. I loved collecting
pictures of all kinds of creatures.
Studying their forms and movements, and the underlying message of wildlife
I started drawing them. This was how I conservation.
first got into art. I think being around so
much wildlife sparked my love for nature From a child moulding clay on a Bethal
and art." farm to a master bronze sculptor, Bernie
van der Vyver's journey is a testament to
With a steady hand and a creative mind, his dedication and love for his craft. His
Van der Vyver's art evolved beyond sculptures, echoing the heartbeat of the
his youth's sketches and clay models. African wilderness, are cherished in art
He ventured into the intricate and collections worldwide.
complex world of bronze sculpture,
honing his skills to create hyper-realistic Bernie van der Vyver is more than an
representations of wild animals. Each artist; he's a storyteller. His bronze
exhibition saw his talents further unfold, sculptures, alive with the spirit of the
catching the discerning eyes of art lovers in the world of his wild subjects. These African wilderness, narrate tales of
and critics alike. field trips serve as his study sessions, beauty, survival, and natural harmony.
complemented by photography, which
Often, van der Vyver's sculptures are aids him in capturing the intricacies of His profound love for nature and
custom-made. Working closely with these animals. His love for the natural exceptional talent has made his creations
clients, he ensures that each piece world is palpable in every crevice and sought-after additions to art collections
aligns with their vision and his artistic curve of his bronze creations. worldwide.
interpretation. This collaborative
approach guarantees that each piece is a Van der Vyver's bronze masterpieces Don't miss Part 2 in the next issue!
unique fusion of the patron's desire and have left an imprint on the global art
the artist's expression. scene and shaped viewers' perceptions Continue following Bernie's extraordinary
of wildlife. His sculptures, exhibited in journey and explore more of his work on
Van der Vyver finds his muse in nature. galleries and museums across South his Facebook page (click here). You can
Regularly visiting national parks and Africa, Europe, and the United States, also connect and get in touch with Bernie
wildlife reserves, he immerses himself are celebrated for their realistic beauty on LinkedIn (click here).

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Boardwalk Meander Estate Issue 4 · 2023