Page 13 - IFV Issue 9_2023

Estate News

Q: What caught your attention about bronze as a medium? Q: How did the Knysna exhibition influence your decision to
A: What caught my attention was how their pieces stood use bronze as your primary medium?
the test of time. Unlike drawings or clay models, bronze A: At the Knysna exhibition, I truly grasped the depth and
sculptures don’t fade or change over time. They keep their potential of bronze artistry. Among the many pieces on display,
beauty for many, many years. seeing all this bronze artwork made me realize I wanted to
Q: Can you tell us more about how the works of Coert make art that could also last. I wanted to create sculptures
Steynberg and Jo Roos influenced your artistic direction? that could be enjoyed not just now but for years. The works
A: The works by Coert Steynberg and Jo Roos had a of Steynberg, Roos, and all the artists at the Knysna exhibition
significant impact on me. The way they managed to craft such played a significant role in this decision.
vivid, lifelike subjects in bronze was mesmerizing. Their works Q: Can you share more about your current project?
didn’t just look real; they felt alive, almost as if their subjects A: Right now, I’m working on an extraordinary project. I’ve
could spring into motion at any moment. been asked to make a bronze sculpture of a San bushman in a
Q: How did the realism and detail in Steynberg and Roos’s hunting pose with a traditional bow.
works affect you? Q: How does this project differ from your previous works?
A: Beyond the realism, what truly struck me was the lasting A: The San bushmen are famous for their respectful hunting
nature of their art. Bronze doesn’t fade or change over time, ways. It’s a real honour to represent this in my art. I’m taking
preserving the beauty and essence of these sculptures extra care to study and understand their hunting practices to
for generations to enjoy. portray this figure accurately and respectfully. This sculpture is
not just a piece of art. It’s a tribute to the hunting tradition of
the San people. I think my fans will look forward to this unique
and meaningful piece of art.
In this deep dive into Bernie van der 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
Q: Why was the endurance of bronze as a medium so sculptures that not only capture the raw beauty of the African
appealing to you? wilderness but also stand the test of time. This exploration has
A: Witnessing the enduring magnificence of Steynberg’s shed light on the depth of thought, observation, and respect
and Roos’s works, I was inspired to create my own bronze for his subjects that Bernie invests in every piece he creates.
sculptures. I wanted to produce art that could withstand the As we look forward to his new project paying tribute to the
test of time, becoming a lasting testament to the subjects I am San bushmen, we are again reminded of how his work brings
so passionate about. stories to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and
indigenous cultures.

You can follow 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).

The Villager • Issue 9 2023 • 11