Page 11 - Cornwall Issue 2_2024

ARTS & CRAFTS

n the first installment of our explora- tures don't fade or change over time.
tion into the life and work of Bernie They keep their beauty for many, many
van der Vyver, we traced the origins years.
of his love for art and nature from
Ihis childhood spent in Bethal, South Q: Can you tell us more about how the
Africa. We learned how his passion, works of Coert Steynberg and Jo Roos
fused with the strength and longevity influenced your artistic direction?
of bronze, enabled him to craft master- A: The works by Coert Steynberg and
pieces that echo the spirit of the African Jo Roos had a significant impact on
wilderness. Now, we delve deeper into me. The way they managed to craft
the mind of this esteemed artist to gain such vivid, life-like subjects in bronze
insights into his artistic process, inspira- was mesmerizing. Their works didn't
tion, and the latest venture that challeng- just look real; they felt alive, almost as
es him to step out of his comfort zone. if their subjects could spring into mo-
tion at any moment.
Q: Could you tell us about your upbring-
ing and how it influenced your journey Q: How did the realism and detail in
into art? Steynberg and Roos's works affect
A: Growing up on a farm in Bethal was you?
really special. Animals and nature have A: Beyond the realism, what truly
always surrounded me. I loved collect- struck me was the lasting nature
ing pictures of all kinds of creatures. of their art. Bronze doesn't fade or
Studying their forms and movements, I change over time, preserving the the Knysna exhibition played a significant
started drawing them. This was how I first beauty and essence of these sculptures role in this decision.
got into art. Being around so much wildlife for generations to enjoy.
sparked my love for nature and art. Q: Can you share more about your cur-
Q: Why was the endurance of bronze as rent project?
Q: When did you start making art? What a medium so appealing to you? A: Right now, I'm working on an extraor-
were the initial mediums you used? A: Witnessing the enduring magnifi- dinary project. I've been asked to make a
A: When I started making art, I used cence of Steynberg's and Roos's works, bronze sculpture of a San bushman in a
simple things like pencils, paper, and I was inspired to create my own bronze hunting pose with a traditional bow.
clay. These materials were easy to use sculptures. I wanted to produce art that
and helped me express my ideas. could withstand the test of time, becom- Q: How does this project differ from your
ing a lasting testament to the subjects I previous works?
Q: How were you introduced to bronze am so passionate about. A: The San bushmen are famous for
sculptures?
their respectful hunting ways. It's a real
BERNIE VAN DER VYVER A: Everything changed when I saw the Q: How did the Knysna exhibition influ- honour to represent this in my art. I'm
bronze sculptures by Coert Steynberg
ence your decision to use bronze as your
taking extra care to study and under-
and Jo Roos. Their work was truly unique.
They had a way of making their subjects primary medium? stand their hunting practices to portray
A: At the Knysna exhibition, I truly
this figure accurately and respectfully.
in bronze look incredibly real and full of grasped the depth and potential of This sculpture is not just a piece of art.
Part 2 life. bronze artistry. Among the many pieces It's a tribute to the hunting tradition of
on display, seeing all this bronze artwork
the San people. I think my fans will look
Q: What caught your attention about
made me realize I wanted to make art
forward to this unique and meaningful
bronze as a medium?
sculptures that could be enjoyed not
A: What caught my attention was how that could also last. I wanted to create piece of art.
their pieces stood the test of time. Unlike just now but for years. The works of In this deep dive into Bernie van der
drawings or clay models, bronze sculp- Steynberg, Roos, and all the artists at Vyver's artistic process and inspiration,
we've seen how his passion for nature
and art, sparked in childhood, has driven
him to create bronze sculptures that
not only capture the raw beauty of the
African wilderness but also stand the
test of time. This exploration has shed
light on the depth of thought, observa-
tion, and respect for his subjects that
Bernie invests in every piece he creates.
As we look forward to his new project
paying tribute to the San bushmen, we
are again reminded of how his work
brings stories to life, fostering a deeper
appreciation for nature and indigenous
cultures.

To continue following Bernie's
extraordinary journey and explore
more of his work, click here
or on Linkedin, click here

Cornwall View • Issue 2 2024
Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 1 • 2024 19 9