Page 11 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 8_2023

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

Continue following Bernie's
extraordinary journey and explore
more of his work on his Facebook page
(click here). You can also connect and
get in touch with Bernie on LinkedIn
(click here).

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