Page 12 - IFV Issue 8_2023

Estate News

Bernie van der Vyver:

CRAFTING THE AFRICAN

WILDERNESS IN BRONZE

he genesis of Bernie van der is a unique fusion of the patron’s desire
Vyver’s artistic journey began and the artist’s expression.
Tin the heart of Bethal in 1969. Van der Vyver finds his muse in nature.
From an early age, pencils, paper, and Regularly visiting national parks and
clay became his trusted companions wildlife reserves, he immerses himself
on the expansive farm where he grew in the world of his wild subjects. These
up. This early immersion in the arts and field trips serve as his study sessions,
nature laid the foundation for an artist complemented by photography, which
whose bronze masterpieces would models. He ventured into the intricate aids him in capturing the intricacies of
echo the spirit of the wild. and complex world of bronze sculpture, these animals. His love for the natural
“Growing up on a farm in Bethal was honing his skills to create hyper-realistic world is palpable in every crevice and
really special. Animals and nature always representations of wild animals. Each curve of his bronze creations.
surrounded me. I loved collecting pictures exhibition saw his talents further unfold, Van der Vyver’s bronze masterpieces
of all kinds of creatures. Studying their catching the discerning eyes of art lovers have left an imprint on the global art
forms and movements, I started drawing and critics alike. scene and shaped viewers’ perceptions
them. This was how I first got into art. Often, van der Vyver’s sculptures are of wildlife. His sculptures, exhibited in
I think being around so much wildlife custom-made. Working closely with galleries and museums across South
sparked my love for nature and art.” clients, he ensures that each piece Africa, Europe, and the United States,
With a steady hand and a creative aligns with their vision and his artistic are celebrated for their realistic beauty
mind, Van der Vyver’s art evolved interpretation. This collaborative and the underlying message of wildlife
beyond his youth’s sketches and clay approach guarantees that each piece conservation.

10 • Issue 8 2023 • The Villager