Page 9 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 7_2023

Art & Craft
Initiative

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,
Tpaper, 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 and the underlying message of wildlife
forms and movements, I started drawing conservation.
them. This was how I first got into art.
I think being around so much wildlife From a child moulding clay on a Bethal
sparked my love for nature 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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8 DPL issue 7 2023 DPL issue 2 2023 7