Page 17 - Cornwall issue 1 2024

CREATIVE ART

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
Bethal in 1969. From an
early age, pencils, paper,
Tand 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
BERNIE VAN collecting pictures of all kinds of From a child moulding clay on a
creatures. Studying their forms and
movements, I started drawing them.
Bethal farm to a master bronze
This was how I first got into art. I
sculptor, Bernie van der Vyver's
think being around so much wildlife
DER VYVER sparked my love for nature and art." journey is a testament to his
dedication and love for his craft. His
With a steady hand and a creative
sculptures, echoing the heartbeat of
mind, Van der Vyver's art evolved
the African wilderness, are cherished
beyond his youth's sketches and
in art collections worldwide.
intricate and complex world of bronze
CRAFTING THE AFRICAN clay models. He ventured into the immerses himself in the world of his Bernie van der Vyver is more than an
artist; he's a storyteller. His bronze
sculpture, honing his skills to create
hyper-realistic representations of wild
sculptures, alive with the spirit of the
wild subjects. These field trips serve
WILDERNESS IN BRONZE animals. Each exhibition saw his talents as his study sessions, complemented African wilderness, narrate tales of
further unfold, catching the discerning
beauty, survival, and natural harmony.
by photography, which aids him in
eyes of art lovers and critics alike.
capturing the intricacies of these
Often, van der Vyver's sculptures are animals. His love for the natural world His profound love for nature and
exceptional talent has made his
is palpable in every crevice and curve
custom-made. Working closely with of his bronze creations. creations sought-after additions to art
clients, he ensures that each piece collections worldwide.
aligns with their vision and his artistic Van der Vyver's bronze masterpieces
interpretation. This collaborative have left an imprint on the global Don't miss Part 2 in the next issue!
approach guarantees that each piece art scene and shaped viewers'
is a unique fusion of the patron's perceptions of wildlife. His sculptures, Continue following Bernie's
desire and the artist's expression. exhibited in galleries and museums extraordinary journey and explore
across South Africa, Europe, and the more of his work on his Facebook
Van der Vyver finds his muse in United States, are celebrated for their page (click here). You can also
nature. Regularly visiting national realistic beauty and the underlying connect and get in touch with Bernie
parks and wildlife reserves, he message of wildlife conservation. on LinkedIn (click here).
Cornwall View • Issue 1 2024 15